Meanings of 虜
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 虜
Podcast: 虜
Podcast: 虜
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 虜
俘 (fú) refers specifically to a prisoner of war, while 虜 (lǔ) can imply a broader sense of captivity or being seized.
虜 is often used in formal contexts or literature, and it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Learners should avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. A common collocation is '俘虜' (fúlǔ), which specifically means 'to capture' in a military sense.
Although not included in the HSK levels, understanding 虜 can enhance vocabulary related to historical texts and discussions about war. It connects to other words involving capture or imprisonment, such as '囚' (qiú, prisoner). Focus on recognizing its use in context to grasp its nuances.
Learners often confuse 虜 (lǔ) with 俘 (fú), which also means to capture but is more specific to military contexts. Remember, 虜 focuses more on the state of being a prisoner rather than the act of capturing.
Pronunciation of 虜
Drill the tone of 虜 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 虜
Simplified form of 虜. Phonosemantic compound. 男 represents the meaning and 虍 represents the sound.
strength
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 虜
Simplified form of 虜. Phonosemantic compound. 男 represents the meaning and 虍 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half男 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half虍 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaystrength
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 虜? 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
What type of character formation is 虜?
Decomposition of 虜
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 虜?
How to say prisoner; to capture, to imprison, to sieze in Chinese
“prisoner; to capture, to imprison, to sieze” in Chinese is虜
The character 虜 (lǔ) refers to a prisoner or captive, often used in historical or military contexts. It can also mean to capture or seize someone or something, highlighting the act of taking control over another person or entity. This term is commonly found in literature and discussions around war, justice, and captivity.
When to use 虜
虜 is often used in formal contexts or literature, and it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. Learners should avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings. A common collocation is '俘虜' (fúlǔ), which specifically means 'to capture' in a military sense.
虜 or something close to it
俘 (fú) refers specifically to a prisoner of war, while 虜 (lǔ) can imply a broader sense of captivity or being seized.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 虜 (lǔ) with 俘 (fú), which also means to capture but is more specific to military contexts. Remember, 虜 focuses more on the state of being a prisoner rather than the act of capturing.
Write 虜
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 虜 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 虜
Compound Meaning
What does 俘虏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 虜
In modern usage, 虜 primarily refers to a prisoner or captive, especially in historical or literary contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 虜?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.