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March 24, 2026
属于(屬於)shǔyú(shu3yu2)
The word '属于' means to belong to or to be part of something. It is often used to indicate classification or possession, such as stating that a particular item belongs to a person or group. This verb frequently appears in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing relationships or categories.
Frequency#1061DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of belonging is significant in Chinese culture, especially in terms of family and community ties. The word '属于' can reflect the importance of social harmony and relationships, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a group.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'shoe' (shǔ) that 'belongs' (yú) to a specific person. You can visualize a shoe with a name tag on it, indicating its owner. The character '属' looks like a shoe and '于' can remind you of 'you' in English, as in 'this shoe belongs to you'.
Meanings of 属于
shǔyú(shu3yu2)
1to be classified as
2to belong to
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 属于
属于Simplified
屬於Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1061Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 属于
Podcast: 属于
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AI Study Notes for 属于
Quick Contrast
所属 (suǒshǔ) — use 属于 (shǔyú) for indicating belonging in a general sense, while 所属 (suǒshǔ) emphasizes the specific affiliation or category.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'shoe' (shǔ) that 'belongs' (yú) to a specific person. You can visualize a shoe with a name tag on it, indicating its owner. The character '属' looks like a shoe and '于' can remind you of 'you' in English, as in 'this shoe belongs to you'.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse '属于' with '有' (to have), as both can imply possession but are used differently. '属于' emphasizes belonging or classification, while '有' simply denotes possession. Remember that '属于' often requires a subject and a predicate to form a complete thought.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '属于' connects to other words related to classification and relationships, such as '属于' (belong) and '分类' (classification). Focus on using it in sentences that express relationships or categorization to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
The concept of belonging is significant in Chinese culture, especially in terms of family and community ties. The word '属于' can reflect the importance of social harmony and relationships, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a group.
Common Mistakes
Learners often incorrectly use '属于' without a subject, such as saying '属于书' (belong book) instead of '这本书属于我' (This book belongs to me). Always ensure there is a clear subject in your sentences.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 属于
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Grammar Patterns of 属于
属于 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The concept of belonging is significant in Chinese culture, especially in terms of family and community ties. The word '属于' can reflect the importance of social harmony and relationships, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a group.
Frequently Asked Questions about 属于
Yes, '属于' is appropriate in both formal and informal discussions, especially when classifying or discussing ownership.
No, while both express possession, '属于' specifically indicates belonging or classification, whereas '有' simply means to have.
'属于' is for general belonging or classification, while '归属' often implies a deeper sense of belonging or affiliation, often used in emotional or social contexts.
