unknown, 7 strokes, radical 亻, rank #73913, Very Hard
tuó(tuo2) T2
1other, he; surname; a load
2carry on the back
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March 24, 2026
佗tuó(tuo2)
The character 佗 (tuó) primarily means 'other' or 'he' in a general sense. It can also refer to a surname or describe the action of carrying a load on one's back. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary contexts or specific idiomatic expressions.
Strokes7Radical亻Frequency#73913DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, surnames carry significant weight, and 佗 can serve as an example of the diversity of Chinese surnames. Additionally, the concept of carrying a load has practical implications in rural areas where physical labor is common.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (the radical 亻, representing a person) carrying a heavy load (the component 𠂇), which helps to visualize the meaning of 'to carry on the back.' The pronunciation 'tuó' can be remembered by thinking of 'tow,' as in 'to tow a load behind.'
Meanings of 佗
tuó(tuo2)
1other, he; surname; a load
2carry on the back
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 佗
佗Simplified
7Strokes
亻Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 佗
Podcast: 佗
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AI Study Notes for 佗
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person (the radical 亻, representing a person) carrying a heavy load (the component 𠂇), which helps to visualize the meaning of 'to carry on the back.' The pronunciation 'tuó' can be remembered by thinking of 'tow,' as in 'to tow a load behind.'
Usage Notes
It's important to note that 佗 is not frequently used in contemporary spoken Mandarin, and learners might confuse it with similar-sounding characters. It is more often found in written texts. Be cautious with tone; the second tone is rising, so mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While 佗 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it can be useful for learners at the HSK 4 level who are expanding their reading skills. Focus on recognizing the character in context, especially in literature or historical texts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, surnames carry significant weight, and 佗 can serve as an example of the diversity of Chinese surnames. Additionally, the concept of carrying a load has practical implications in rural areas where physical labor is common.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 佗 with similar characters like 他 (tā, meaning 'he') or 其 (qí, meaning 'other'). For example, using 佗 in place of 他 in casual conversation would be incorrect, as 他 is the standard term for 'he.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 佗
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Cultural Notes for 佗
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, surnames carry significant weight, and 佗 can serve as an example of the diversity of Chinese surnames. Additionally, the concept of carrying a load has practical implications in rural areas where physical labor is common.
Word Family of 佗
Words Containing This Character2
华佗Hua Tuo (?-208), famous doctor at the end of Han Dynasty華佗
佗tuócarry on the back
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 华佗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 佗
No, 佗 is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more likely to appear in written or literary contexts.
It is pronounced in the second tone, 'tuó,' which is a rising tone.
Common phrases are limited, but it may appear in literary texts or phrases referring to 'other' people.
