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擄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
擄lǔto capture, to seizezg, 16 strokes, radical 扌
lǔ(lu3) T3
  1. 1to capture, to seize
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March 24, 2026

擄lǔ(lu3)

The character 擄 (lǔ) means to capture or seize, often in the context of taking someone or something by force. It is commonly used in discussions of kidnapping, piracy, or any act of taking against someone's will. The nuance includes a sense of violence or coercion associated with the act of capturing.

Strokes16Radical扌
Cultural Note

In Chinese history, the concept of capturing has been significant in various military and political contexts, reflecting the tumultuous periods in ancient China where power struggles were common.

Memory Tip

Imagine a fierce pirate (the radical 扌, which indicates action) seizing treasure (the character's meaning). The character looks like a hand reaching out to grab something precious, embodying the idea of capturing or taking hold.

Meanings of 擄

lǔ(lu3)
1to capture, to seize
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 擄

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

Podcast: 擄

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Podcast: 擄

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AI Study Notes for 擄

Quick Contrast

绑 (bǎng) — use 擄 (lǔ) when emphasizing the act of seizing someone against their will, whereas 绑 (bǎng) focuses more on the act of tying or binding.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 擄 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā, to catch) or 拿 (ná, to take), which have less violent connotations. This term is generally used in more serious or formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions. Pay attention to the tone; using it lightly in casual conversation might come off as inappropriate.

HSK Study Tips

Although this character is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the HSK level 5 items like 抓 (zhuā) and 拿 (ná), which also relate to taking or capturing. Focus on understanding the gravity and context in which 擄 is used as it conveys a more severe action.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 擄 with 抓 (zhuā) and use it in casual contexts, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 擄 with a light tone in a friendly conversation can sound inappropriate; instead, use 抓 for a more casual context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 擄

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Etymology of 擄

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

To catch 虜 someone by the hand 扌; 虜 also provides the pronunciation

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

Origin

What kind of character is 擄?

Decomposition of 擄

IDS Structure⿰扌虜
擄Full Character
=
扌shou3
left
虜lu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 擄?

How to say to capture, to seize in Chinese

“to capture, to seize” in Chinese is擄lǔ

The character 擄 (lǔ) means to capture or seize, often in the context of taking someone or something by force. It is commonly used in discussions of kidnapping, piracy, or any act of taking against someone's will. The nuance includes a sense of violence or coercion associated with the act of capturing.

When to use 擄

Be cautious not to confuse 擄 with similar characters like 抓 (zhuā, to catch) or 拿 (ná, to take), which have less violent connotations. This term is generally used in more serious or formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions. Pay attention to the tone; using it lightly in casual conversation might come off as inappropriate.

擄 or something close to it

绑 (bǎng) — use 擄 (lǔ) when emphasizing the act of seizing someone against their will, whereas 绑 (bǎng) focuses more on the act of tying or binding.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 擄 with 抓 (zhuā) and use it in casual contexts, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, saying 擄 with a light tone in a friendly conversation can sound inappropriate; instead, use 抓 for a more casual context.

Write 擄

擄

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

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Word Family of 擄

Words Containing This Character3
掳lǔto capture擄
掳掠to loot擄掠
掳人勒赎kidnapping for ransom擄人勒贖
Exercise 1 of 3

Characters with 擄

What does 掳 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 擄

In legal terms, 擄 often refers to kidnapping or unlawful seizure, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.

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