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目录 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
目录mùlùcatalogHSK 6, n, rank #7423, Hard
目录mùlùtable of contentsHSK 6, n, rank #7423, Hard
目录mùlùdirectory (on computer hard drive)HSK 6, n, rank #7423, Hard
目录mùlùlistHSK 6, n, rank #7423, Hard
目录mùlùcontentsHSK 6, n, rank #7423, Hard
mùlù(mu4lu4) T4
  1. 1catalog
  2. 2table of contents
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
目录(目錄)mùlù(mu4lu4)

目录 (mùlù) refers to a list or catalog that outlines the contents of a book, document, or digital file system. It is commonly used in both academic contexts to refer to a table of contents in publications, and in everyday digital usage to describe directories on computers. The term implies organization and ease of navigation.

Frequency#7423DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese publishing, having a clear and well-organized 目录 is essential for academic and professional texts. It reflects the importance placed on structure and clarity in Chinese literature and documentation.

Memory Tip

Think of 目录 as a 'map' (目, mù) leading you through the 'road' (录, lù) of a book or directory. Imagine a traveler using a map to find their way through a library filled with books, each with its own 目录 guiding them to the right section.

Meanings of 目录

mùlù(mu4lu4)
1catalog
2table of contents
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 目录

目录Simplified
目錄Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7423Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 目录

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Podcast: 目录

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AI Study Notes for 目录

Quick Contrast

索引 (suǒyǐn) - use 目录 (mùlù) for a table of contents, while 索引 (suǒyǐn) refers to an index that lists specific terms and their locations.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 目录 as a 'map' (目, mù) leading you through the 'road' (录, lù) of a book or directory. Imagine a traveler using a map to find their way through a library filled with books, each with its own 目录 guiding them to the right section.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 目录 with other similar words like '清单' (qīngdān), which means 'list' but is less formal. In written and academic contexts, 目录 is more appropriate, while in informal contexts, you might use '列表' (lièbiǎo) for lists. Always use the correct tone: the first syllable (mù) should be pronounced with a falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 目录 connects to other vocabulary related to organization and classification, such as '分类' (fēnlèi, classification) and '索引' (suǒyǐn, index). Focus on using 目录 in sentences related to books, documents, or computer files to reinforce its meaning.

Cultural Note

In Chinese publishing, having a clear and well-organized 目录 is essential for academic and professional texts. It reflects the importance placed on structure and clarity in Chinese literature and documentation.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 目录 in informal contexts where '列表' (lièbiǎo) would be more suitable, such as saying '请给我一个目录的项目' instead of '请给我一个列表的项目'. Additionally, some forget the correct tones, leading to miscommunication.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 目录

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Component Characters

eye
HSK 15 strokes
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diary
HSK 58 strokes
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Write 目录

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

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Grammar Patterns of 目录

目录 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.

Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

他们的完整____售价5美元,第一次订购时可返还这5美元。

Their full catalogue costs $5, redeemable against a first order.

Example Sentences for 目录 (9)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们的完整目录售价5美元,第一次订购时可返还这5美元。

tā mén de wán zhěng mù lù shòu jià5 5 měi, yuán , dì yī cì dìng gòu shí kě fǎn5 huán zhè。

Their full catalogue costs $5, redeemable against a first order.
2
我曾经买过那些目录里的一样东西。

wǒ zēng jīng mǎi guò nà xiē mù lù lǐ de yī yàng dōng xī。

I once bought a thingummy out of one of those catalogues.
3
图书管理员把一本新书编入目录.

tú shū guǎn lǐ yuán bǎ yī běn xīn shū biān rù mù lù.

The librarian entered a new book in the catalogue.
4
节目录在磁带录音机上.

jié mù lù zài cí dài lù yīn jī shàng.

The program was recorded on a tape recorder.
5
两年前,商业界开始用 “ 元目录 ” 这个术语.

liǎng nián qián, , shāng yè jiè kāi shǐ“ yòng “ yuán” mù lù ” zhè.

The term " meta directory " came into industry parlance two years ago.
6
如果不愿逛商店逛得腰酸腿疼,也许您会愿意使用商品目录。

rú guǒ bù yuàn guàng shāng diàn guàng dé yāo suān tuǐ téng, , yě xǔ nín huì yuàn yì shǐ yòng shāng pǐn mù。

If traipsing around shops does not appeal to you, perhaps using a catalogue will.
7
书籍目录承索即寄.

shū jí mù lù chéng suǒ jí jì.

Catalogues of our books will be sent on request.
8
32页的目录尽是些渲染节日喜庆的东西。

32 32 yè de mù lù jìn shì xiē xuàn rǎn jié rì xǐ qìng de dōng。

The 32-page catalog is chock-full of things that add fun to festive occasions.
9
目录册正在修订之中.

mù lù cè zhèng zài xiū dìng zhī zhōng.

The catalogue is under revision.

Cultural Notes for 目录

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese publishing, having a clear and well-organized 目录 is essential for academic and professional texts. It reflects the importance placed on structure and clarity in Chinese literature and documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about 目录

No, 目录 can refer to any organized list of contents, including digital directories on computers.