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録 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
録lùto copyzg, 16 strokes, radical 釒
録lùJapanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]unknown, 16 strokes, radical 釒
lù(lu4) T4
  1. 1to copy
  2. 2Japanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]
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March 24, 2026

録lù(lu4)

The character 録 (lù) primarily means 'to copy' or 'to record'. It is often used in contexts involving transcription, documentation, or audio/video recording. While it holds a similar meaning to the simplified variant 录 (lù), 録 is more commonly associated with Japanese usage in the kanji form.

Strokes16Radical釒
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the act of recording is significant in both academic and artistic contexts, such as recording traditional music or historical events. Understanding the nuances of recording can also enhance your appreciation of Chinese media.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large book with 'copy' written on it, and inside you see a recording device. The character 録 is composed of the metal radical 金 (jīn), suggesting the idea of valuable information being copied or recorded, which helps you remember its meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 録

lù(lu4)
1to copy
2Japanese variant of 錄|录[lu4]
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 録

録Simplified
16Strokes
釒Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 録

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Podcast: 録

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AI Study Notes for 録

Usage Notes

This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation compared to its simplified counterpart 录 (lù). It's important to be aware of the context in which you use it, as using 録 might sound outdated in modern Chinese. Collocations include 録音 (lùyīn, to record sound) and 録影 (lùyǐng, to record video).

HSK Study Tips

While 録 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its connection to 录 can help learners grasp the differences between traditional and simplified characters. Focusing on related words in both forms can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 録 and 录, using 録 in casual conversation incorrectly. For example, saying '我想錄音' (wǒ xiǎng lùyīn) instead of '我想录音' is incorrect; always use 录 in everyday contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 録

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Etymology of 録

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To carve 釒 a record 录; 录 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 録?

Decomposition of 録

IDS Structure⿰釒录
録Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
录Lu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 録?

How to say to copy in Chinese

“to copy” in Chinese is録lù

The character 録 (lù) primarily means 'to copy' or 'to record'. It is often used in contexts involving transcription, documentation, or audio/video recording. While it holds a similar meaning to the simplified variant 录 (lù), 録 is more commonly associated with Japanese usage in the kanji form.

When to use 録

This character is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation compared to its simplified counterpart 录 (lù). It's important to be aware of the context in which you use it, as using 録 might sound outdated in modern Chinese. Collocations include 録音 (lùyīn, to record sound) and 録影 (lùyǐng, to record video).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 録 and 录, using 録 in casual conversation incorrectly. For example, saying '我想錄音' (wǒ xiǎng lùyīn) instead of '我想录音' is incorrect; always use 录 in everyday contexts.

Write 録

録

Practice writing 録 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 録

Words Containing This Character1
録lùJapanese variant of 錄|录[lù]

Frequently Asked Questions about 録

No, 録 is primarily used in Japanese and is considered more formal or outdated in modern Mandarin; 录 is the preferred term.

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