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錄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
錄lùto copy, to record, to write downx, 16 strokes, radical 釒
lù(lu4) T4
  1. 1to copy, to record, to write down
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March 24, 2026

錄lù(lu4)

The character 錄 (lù) denotes the act of copying, recording, or writing down information. It is commonly used in contexts involving documentation, such as taking notes, making audio recordings, or entering data into a system. The nuance of this character often implies a formal or systematic approach to recording information.

Strokes16Radical釒
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, recording and documentation are highly valued, especially in academic and legal contexts. The use of recording in official meetings or ceremonies is common, reflecting the importance of preserving information accurately.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'record' of gold (the radical 錯 means metal) being carefully 'written down' in a notebook. Picture a shiny gold record being placed into a book, reminding you that 錄 (lù) means to record or write down.

Meanings of 錄

lù(lu4)
1to copy, to record, to write down
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 錄 means.

About 錄

錄Simplified
16Strokes
釒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 錄

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Podcast: 錄

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AI Study Notes for 錄

Quick Contrast

录 (lù, to record) vs 写 (xiě, to write) — choose 録 when the emphasis is on systematic documentation rather than just the act of writing.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 錄 (lù) with 錯 (cuò), which means error or wrong. This character is more often used in formal contexts, such as in legal or academic settings, and can be commonly seen in phrases like 錄音 (lùyīn), which means audio recording. Ensure the correct tone is used; 錄 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).

HSK Study Tips

While 錄 is not officially listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other verbs related to actions, especially in HSK level 3 and above where recording and documentation become more relevant. Focus on using it in phrases and compound words to enhance vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 錄 (lù) with 录 (lù), which is a simplified form. For example, saying '我需要錄音' is incorrect in simplified contexts; it should be '我需要录音' for correct usage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 錄

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Etymology of 錄

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

Simplified form of 錄. Phonosemantic compound. 金 represents the meaning and 彔 represents the sound. The traditional component 金 was removed for simplification.

Memory Hint

A metal 釒 brush 彔 used to record stories

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

Origin

What kind of character is 錄?

Decomposition of 錄

IDS Structure⿰釒彔
錄Full Character
=
釒jin1
left
彔lu4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 錄?

How to say to copy, to record, to write down in Chinese

“to copy, to record, to write down” in Chinese is錄lù

The character 錄 (lù) denotes the act of copying, recording, or writing down information. It is commonly used in contexts involving documentation, such as taking notes, making audio recordings, or entering data into a system. The nuance of this character often implies a formal or systematic approach to recording information.

When to use 錄

Be careful not to confuse 錄 (lù) with 錯 (cuò), which means error or wrong. This character is more often used in formal contexts, such as in legal or academic settings, and can be commonly seen in phrases like 錄音 (lùyīn), which means audio recording. Ensure the correct tone is used; 錄 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).

錄 or something close to it

录 (lù, to record) vs 写 (xiě, to write) — choose 録 when the emphasis is on systematic documentation rather than just the act of writing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 錄 (lù) with 录 (lù), which is a simplified form. For example, saying '我需要錄音' is incorrect in simplified contexts; it should be '我需要录音' for correct usage.

Write 錄

錄

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

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Word Family of 錄

Words Containing This Character20
记录jìlùto record記錄
录lùdiary錄
录像lùxiàngto videotape錄像
纪录jìlùto record紀錄
录取lùqǔto admit (a student)錄取
录音lùyīnto record (sound)錄音
登录dēnglùto register登錄
录像带video cassette錄像帶
目录mùlùcatalog目錄
录制lùzhìto record (video or audio)錄製
备忘录bèiwànglùmemorandum備忘錄
纪录片jìlùpiànnewsreel紀錄片
世界纪录world record世界紀錄
语录quotation (from a book or existing source)語錄
录用to hire (an employee)錄用
收录to record收錄
录音带audio tape錄音帶
笔录transcript筆錄
录音机lùyīnjītape recorder錄音機
回忆录huíyìlùmemoir回憶錄
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 錄

What does 记录 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 錄

While both can mean to record, 錄 (lù) is typically used for more formal recording, such as audio or video, whereas 記 (jì) generally refers to jotting down notes or memories.

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