HSK 6, unknown, 7 strokes, radical 尸, rank #877, Medium
jú(ju2) T2
1narrow
2bureau, office; circumstance, game, situation
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March 24, 2026
局(侷)jú(ju2)
The character 局 (jú) refers to a bureau or office, often used in formal contexts such as government agencies or organizations. It can also denote a specific situation or circumstance, particularly in strategic and competitive contexts, such as games or matches. The nuance lies in its use as both a noun for organizational structures and a classifier for certain types of activities.
Strokes7Radical尸Frequency#877DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, various '局' (jú) entities like '公安局' (Public Security Bureau) are crucial in everyday governance and public service, reflecting the importance of structured administration in society. This term highlights how organization plays a significant role in Chinese social and political life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a narrow '局' (jú) shaped office building where people are strategizing for a game. The character looks like a roof over a '局' (jú) space, symbolizing a contained area of action or management. Think of '局' as a 'game plan' set within those walls.
Meanings of 局
jú(ju2)
1narrow
2bureau, office; circumstance, game, situation
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 局
局Simplified
侷Traditional
7Strokes
尸Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#877Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRB1
Podcast: 局
Podcast: 局
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AI Study Notes for 局
Quick Contrast
局 (jú) vs 处 (chù) — use 局 for formal organizations or strategic contexts, while 处 refers more to a place or situation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a narrow '局' (jú) shaped office building where people are strategizing for a game. The character looks like a roof over a '局' (jú) space, symbolizing a contained area of action or management. Think of '局' as a 'game plan' set within those walls.
Usage Notes
When using '局', it is important to differentiate between its meanings based on context, as it can refer to both physical offices and abstract situations. Common collocations include '局势' (júshì - situation) and '局部' (júbù - local/partial). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words, such as '局限' (júxiàn - limit).
HSK Study Tips
Although 局 is not currently in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its usage in discussions about situations and organizations. Students should pay attention to its application in formal contexts and understand its role as a classifier.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, various '局' (jú) entities like '公安局' (Public Security Bureau) are crucial in everyday governance and public service, reflecting the importance of structured administration in society. This term highlights how organization plays a significant role in Chinese social and political life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 局 with 角 (jiǎo, corner) due to similar pronunciation; for example, saying '在局的地方' (zài jú de dìfāng) instead of '在局的办公室' (zài jú de bàngōngshì - in the office of the bureau). It's crucial to ensure the context matches the meaning intended.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 局
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Grammar Patterns of 局
局 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 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.
In Chinese culture, various '局' (jú) entities like '公安局' (Public Security Bureau) are crucial in everyday governance and public service, reflecting the importance of structured administration in society. This term highlights how organization plays a significant role in Chinese social and political life.
Word Family of 局
Compounds8
焗ju2to bake, to roast; to suffocate; stuffy
锔ju1curium
挶
跼
侷ju2narrow, cramped, confined
梮
鋦ju1curium
駶
Words Containing This Character20
局júoffice
结局jiéjúconclusion結局
局长júzhǎngbureau chief局長
局面júmiànaspect
出局chūjúto eliminate
警察局police station
局部júbùpart
局势júshìsituation局勢
当局authorities當局
总局head office總局
格局géjústructure
布局bùjúarrangement佈局
骗局a swindle騙局
分局sub-bureau
大局dàjúgeneral situation
全局quánjúoverall situation
局限júxiànto limit
公安局gōngānjúpublic security bureau (government office similar in function to a police station)
邮局yóujúpost office郵局
平局a tie
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 焗 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 局
局 (jú) can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. In a business environment, it might refer to an office or bureau, while in casual conversation, it could relate to games or circumstances. Context is key to its appropriate usage.
Common phrases with 局 (jú) include '局势' (júshì), meaning 'situation,' and '局部' (júbù), meaning 'local' or 'partial.' These phrases highlight its versatility in different contexts.
To use 局 (jú) in a sentence, you can refer to it in contexts related to situations or offices. For example, '这局比赛很激烈' means 'This match is very intense.' You can also say '我在这个局里工作' which means 'I work in this bureau.'
局 (jú) has several meanings in Chinese. It can refer to a situation or circumstance, a bureau or office, and is also used as a classifier for games or matches, such as a round in a competition. Understanding its context is crucial for proper usage.
In everyday language, 局 usually refers to an office or bureau, such as a government department.
While 局 is primarily formal, it can be used informally when discussing games or situations among friends.
Pay attention to context; 局 is specific to offices or structured situations, while words like 情况 (qíngkuàng) are broader terms for situations.
