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拘留 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
拘留jūliúto detain (a prisoner)HSK 7, v, rank #4746, Hard
拘留jūliúto keep sb in custodyHSK 7, v, rank #4746, Hard
jūliú(ju1liu2) T1
  1. 1to detain (a prisoner)
  2. 2to keep sb in custody
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March 24, 2026
拘留jūliú(ju1liu2)

拘留 (jū liú) refers to the act of detaining someone, typically within a legal or law enforcement context. It can involve keeping a suspect in custody during an investigation or holding a person against their will for a certain period, often for legal reasons.

Frequency#4746DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the legal system has its own complexities, and terms like 拘留 reflect the importance of law enforcement in maintaining societal order. The nuances in how detention is viewed can differ significantly from western systems, emphasizing the role of authority in everyday life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person being 'held back' (拘) with a 'rope' (留) that symbolizes confinement. The 'jū' sounds like 'jew', and you can visualize a jeweler carefully detaining a precious gem to keep it safe. This story links the character's form to its meaning and pronunciation.

Meanings of 拘留

jūliú(ju1liu2)
1to detain (a prisoner)
2to keep sb in custody
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 拘留

拘留Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4746Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 拘留

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Podcast: 拘留

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AI Study Notes for 拘留

Quick Contrast

拘禁 (jūjìn) - use 拘留 (jūliú) when referring to legal detention, while 拘禁 (jūjìn) can imply a broader sense of confinement without legal context.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person being 'held back' (拘) with a 'rope' (留) that symbolizes confinement. The 'jū' sounds like 'jew', and you can visualize a jeweler carefully detaining a precious gem to keep it safe. This story links the character's form to its meaning and pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that 拘留 is used in formal contexts, especially legal discussions. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar terms like 拘禁 (jū jìn), which means 'to imprison'. Remember that 拘留 specifically implies temporary custody rather than permanent imprisonment.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 拘留 connects with other legal and formal vocabulary at this level. Focus on using it appropriately in sentences related to law enforcement or legal scenarios, as this will enhance your ability to discuss legal matters in Mandarin.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the legal system has its own complexities, and terms like 拘留 reflect the importance of law enforcement in maintaining societal order. The nuances in how detention is viewed can differ significantly from western systems, emphasizing the role of authority in everyday life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 拘留 with 逮捕 (dài bǔ), mistakenly using 拘留 when referring to arresting someone. For example, saying '我被拘留了' ('I was detained') when they mean '我被逮捕了' ('I was arrested') is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 拘留

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Component Characters

拘jūto capture
8 strokes扌
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留liúto stay, to remain; to preserve, to keep; to leave a message; 
HSK 410 strokes田
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Write 拘留

拘
留

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

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Grammar Patterns of 拘留

拘留 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 2 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 4

Complete the Sentence

这一____行为引发了两个互为独立但又密切相关的问题。

The detention raised two distinct but closely linked questions.

Example Sentences for 拘留 (4)

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1
这一拘留行为引发了两个互为独立但又密切相关的问题。

zhè yī jū liú háng wéi yǐn fā le liǎng gè hù wéi dú lì dàn yòu mì qiē xiāng guān de wèn tí。

The detention raised two distinct but closely linked questions.
2
被拘留者抱怨提供的食物不堪下咽。

bèi jū liú zhě bào yuàn tí gōng de shí wù bù kān xià yān。

Detainees complained of being given food which is inedible.
3
这将意味着更多候审犯人会被拘押在警局拘留室。

zhè jiāng yì wèi zháo gēng duō hòu shěn fàn rén huì bèi jū yā zài jǐng jú jū liú shì。

This will mean more remand prisoners being held in police cells.
4
这些人因涉嫌犯有夜盗罪而被拘留.

zhè xiē rén yīn shè xián fàn yǒu yè dào zuì ér bèi jū liú.

The men were pulled in on suspicion of having committed a burglary.

Cultural Notes for 拘留

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the legal system has its own complexities, and terms like 拘留 reflect the importance of law enforcement in maintaining societal order. The nuances in how detention is viewed can differ significantly from western systems, emphasizing the role of authority in everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions about 拘留

Yes, 拘留 is primarily used in formal legal situations when referring to the detention of individuals by law enforcement.