unknown, 9 strokes, radical 亻, rank #56068, Very Hard
yǒng(yong3) T3
1wooden figure buried with dead
2wooden figures buried with the dead
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
俑yǒng(yong3)
The character 俑 (yǒng) refers to a type of funerary figure, typically made of wood, that was buried alongside the deceased in ancient China. These figures were intended to serve the dead in the afterlife, reflecting the importance of ancestor worship and the belief in life after death in Chinese culture.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#56068DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 俑 were often placed in tombs alongside emperors or nobles, showing the significance of the afterlife and the rituals surrounding it. This practice highlights the deep-rooted traditions of honoring ancestors that still resonate in Chinese society today.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wooden statue (俑) standing guard over a grave, representing the deceased in the afterlife. The character has a component resembling a person (亻) on the left, suggesting its connection to human figures, while the right side (俑) sounds like 'yǒng,' which you can remember as 'young,' as in young people being honored even after death.
Meanings of 俑
yǒng(yong3)
1wooden figure buried with dead
2wooden figures buried with the dead
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 俑 means.
About 俑
俑Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 俑
Podcast: 俑
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 俑
Usage Notes
俑 is a formal term and is rarely used in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 像 (xiàng), which means 'statue' or 'likeness.' It is often used in historical or archaeological contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Though 俑 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of Chinese history and culture. Focus on its relation to funerary practices and how it connects to other HSK characters related to death or rituals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 俑 with the more common term for 'statue,' which can lead to incorrect usage in contexts not related to funerary practices. For instance, saying '这是一件俑' ('This is a statue') would be incorrect; it should specify its funerary context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俑
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 俑 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 俑 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 俑
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 甬 represents the sound.
俑 = 亻 + 甬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 俑
IDS Structure⿰亻甬
俑Full Character
=
亻ren2
left
甬tong3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 俑?
How to say wooden figure buried with dead in Chinese
“wooden figure buried with dead” in Chinese is俑yǒng
The character 俑 (yǒng) refers to a type of funerary figure, typically made of wood, that was buried alongside the deceased in ancient China. These figures were intended to serve the dead in the afterlife, reflecting the importance of ancestor worship and the belief in life after death in Chinese culture.
When to use 俑
俑 is a formal term and is rarely used in everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar characters like 像 (xiàng), which means 'statue' or 'likeness.' It is often used in historical or archaeological contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 俑 with the more common term for 'statue,' which can lead to incorrect usage in contexts not related to funerary practices. For instance, saying '这是一件俑' ('This is a statue') would be incorrect; it should specify its funerary context.
Write 俑
俑
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 俑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Ask Jason
Have a question about 俑?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 俑
Words Containing This Character5
始作俑者fig. the originator of an evil practice
兵马俑Terracotta Army (historic site)兵馬俑
俑yǒngwooden figures buried with the dead
陶俑a pottery figurine buried with the dead
俑坑pit with funerary figures
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 俑
What does 始作俑者 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 俑
俑 are typically made of wood, but they can also be crafted from other materials like clay or ceramics.
No, 俑 are not used in modern funerary practices, but they are important artifacts in archaeological studies of ancient Chinese burial customs.
俑 is pronounced 'yǒng' with a third tone, which sounds like 'young' but with a lower pitch followed by a rise.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 俑?
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.
