Meanings of 孥
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 孥
Podcast: 孥
Podcast: 孥
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 孥
It's important to use 孥 in contexts that require a more formal or literary tone, as it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Avoid confusion with the more common term '孩子' (háizi); remember that 孥 specifically implies descendants or children in a lineage.
Although 孥 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your grasp of familial terms at a higher level. Focus on how it connects with other family-related words, such as '父母' (parents) and '子女' (children), to build a richer vocabulary.
Learners may confuse 孥 with other terms like '孩子' (háizi) or use it in casual settings, leading to awkwardness. For example, saying '我有两个孥' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè nú) is incorrect; the correct term is '我有两个孩子' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè háizi).
Pronunciation of 孥
Drill the tone of 孥 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 孥
son
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 孥
- 1The meaning half子 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half奴 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayson
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 孥? 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 孥?
Decomposition of 孥
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 孥?
How to say one's children in Chinese
“one's children” in Chinese is孥
The character 孥 (nú) refers to one's children, offspring, or descendants. It is a more formal term often used in literary or historical contexts to denote lineage or familial relationships. While commonly used in written Chinese, it may not be as frequently heard in everyday conversations compared to simpler terms like '孩子' (háizi) for 'child.'
When to use 孥
It's important to use 孥 in contexts that require a more formal or literary tone, as it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Avoid confusion with the more common term '孩子' (háizi); remember that 孥 specifically implies descendants or children in a lineage.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 孥 with other terms like '孩子' (háizi) or use it in casual settings, leading to awkwardness. For example, saying '我有两个孥' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè nú) is incorrect; the correct term is '我有两个孩子' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè háizi).
Write 孥
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 孥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 孥
Compound Meaning
What does 孥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 孥
No, 孥 is more often found in written texts and formal contexts rather than in casual speech.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 孥?
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.