Meanings of 獨
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About 獨
Podcast: 獨
Podcast: 獨
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AI Study Notes for 獨
孤 (gū) — use 獨 (dú) for emphasis on independence or uniqueness, while 孤 (gū) emphasizes loneliness or isolation.
Be mindful of the context when using 獨, as it can carry both positive (independence) and negative (loneliness) connotations. It is often used in phrases like '獨立' (dúlì - independent) and '獨自' (dúzì - alone). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that do not share this meaning.
Although 獨 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it’s useful for learners at HSK 3 and above. Focus on its usage in phrases and idioms to strengthen your understanding of independence and solitude in various contexts.
Learners often confuse 獨 with similar characters like 獨特 (dútè - unique), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember that 獨 focuses more on the state of being alone or independent, while 獨特 emphasizes uniqueness.
Pronunciation of 獨
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Etymology of 獨
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 虫 represents the sound. Simplified form of 獨.
dog
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 獨
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 虫 represents the sound. Simplified form of 獨.
- 1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half蜀 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaydog
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 獨? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 獨
Identify the Components
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How to say alone, independent, only, single, solitary in Chinese
“alone, independent, only, single, solitary” in Chinese is獨
The character 獨 (dú) conveys the idea of being alone, independent, or solitary. It can refer to a person who is standing alone or to something that is unique or singular in nature. Commonly used in contexts discussing independence or solitude, it carries a nuanced connotation of both strength and loneliness.
When to use 獨
Be mindful of the context when using 獨, as it can carry both positive (independence) and negative (loneliness) connotations. It is often used in phrases like '獨立' (dúlì - independent) and '獨自' (dúzì - alone). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that do not share this meaning.
獨 or something close to it
孤 (gū) — use 獨 (dú) for emphasis on independence or uniqueness, while 孤 (gū) emphasizes loneliness or isolation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 獨 with similar characters like 獨特 (dútè - unique), thinking they are interchangeable. Remember that 獨 focuses more on the state of being alone or independent, while 獨特 emphasizes uniqueness.
Write 獨
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Practice writing 獨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 獨
Compound Meaning
What does 独立 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 獨
It is pronounced as 'dú' with a rising tone.
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