Meanings of 獄
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Podcast: 獄
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AI Study Notes for 獄
Be mindful of the context in which you use 獄, as it is typically formal and related to legal matters. Common collocations include '監獄' (jiān yù, prison) and '刑獄' (xíng yù, penal system). A typical mistake is to confuse it with '寓' (yù), which means residence or dwelling, so pay attention to tonal pronunciation.
Although 獄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other legal and crime-related terms you may encounter. Focus on recognizing its use in legal contexts and alongside other characters that depict confinement or law.
Learners often confuse 獄 with 宇 (yǔ), which means universe or space, due to similar sounds. Ensure you practice the tonal differences to avoid this confusion.
Pronunciation of 獄
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Etymology of 獄
Simplified form of 獄. Depicts being between two barking (言) guard dogs (犬).
A guard dog 犭 talking 言 to a prisoner 犬
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 獄
Simplified form of 獄. Depicts being between two barking (言) guard dogs (犬).
- 1The giveawayA guard dog 犭 talking 言 to a prisoner 犬
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Decomposition of 獄
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How to say prison, jail; case; lawsuit in Chinese
“prison, jail; case; lawsuit” in Chinese is獄
The character 獄 (yù) primarily means 'prison' or 'jail' and is often associated with the legal system. It can also refer to a legal case or lawsuit, highlighting its significance in discussions related to justice and crime. In both everyday and formal contexts, it denotes spaces and situations involving confinement or legal proceedings.
When to use 獄
Be mindful of the context in which you use 獄, as it is typically formal and related to legal matters. Common collocations include '監獄' (jiān yù, prison) and '刑獄' (xíng yù, penal system). A typical mistake is to confuse it with '寓' (yù), which means residence or dwelling, so pay attention to tonal pronunciation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 獄 with 宇 (yǔ), which means universe or space, due to similar sounds. Ensure you practice the tonal differences to avoid this confusion.
Write 獄
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Practice writing 獄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 獄
Compound Meaning
What does 监狱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 獄
獄 (yù) has a broader legal connotation, often relating to cases and legal matters, while 监狱 (jiān yù) specifically refers to a prison.
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