Meanings of 搂
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About 搂
Podcast: 搂
Podcast: 搂
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AI Study Notes for 搂
抱 (bào) — use 搂 (lǒu) for a more intimate or casual embrace, while 抱 (bào) can imply a more formal or protective hold.
Imagine wrapping your arms around a loved one while saying 'lōu'—the character looks like two arms (the radical 扌) reaching out to embrace. Picture a warm hug that gathers both people into one, emphasizing the closeness and intimacy of the action.
When using 搂, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs like 抱 (bào), which means to hold or embrace but with a slightly different connotation. This verb is more informal, so it’s best used in casual contexts. Watch out for tone mistakes; the first tone is crucial for correct pronunciation.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 搂 connects with other verbs expressing physical actions or emotions. Students should focus on the nuances of its meanings and practice using it in various contexts, particularly when discussing relationships or social interactions.
In Chinese culture, physical expressions of affection, such as hugging, are often more reserved compared to Western norms. However, in family settings, the act of 搂 is a common way to express care and closeness, reflecting strong familial bonds.
Learners often confuse 搂 with 抱 or 拿 (ná), leading to incorrect usage in sentences. For example, saying '我会搂我的朋友' (I will lōu my friend) is incorrect; it should be '我会抱我的朋友' (I will bào my friend) when referring to hugging.
Pronunciation of 搂
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Etymology of 搂
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 娄 represents the sound. Simplified form of 摟.
hand
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 搂
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Write 搂
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Practice writing 搂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 搂
搂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
她突然张开手臂____住我的脖子，然后吻了我一下。
She flung her arms around my neck and kissed me.
Example Sentences for 搂 (10)
Cultural Notes for 搂
In Chinese culture, physical expressions of affection, such as hugging, are often more reserved compared to Western norms. However, in family settings, the act of 搂 is a common way to express care and closeness, reflecting strong familial bonds.
In Western cultures, hugging is often a common greeting or farewell gesture, while in China, it may be reserved for closer relationships and family, highlighting a more formal approach to physical affection.
Word Family of 搂
Compound Meaning
What does 搂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搂
While both 搂 (lōu) and 抱 (bào) involve holding another person, 搂 emphasizes a drawing motion towards oneself and often implies a gentle embrace, whereas 抱 can be more general and sometimes used for carrying.