Learn a Chinese Character - 聋

1. Character Basics

Radical: 耳 (ěr, ear radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lóng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Deaf; hard of hearing

4. Common Words

• 耳聋 (ěrlóng) - deafness
• 聋哑 (lóngyǎ) - deaf and mute
• 聋子 (lóngzi) - deaf person
• 震耳欲聋 (zhèněryùlóng) - deafening
• 装聋作哑 (zhuānglóngzuòyǎ) - to pretend to be deaf and dumb
• 耳聋眼花 (ěrlóngyǎnhuā) - deaf and dim-sighted
• 聋哑学校 (lóngyǎxuéxiào) - school for the deaf and mute
• 先天性耳聋 (xiāntiānxìngěrlóng) - congenital deafness

5. Grammar & Usage

"聋" is primarily used as an adjective to describe someone who is deaf or has hearing loss. It can be used alone but is more commonly found in compound words related to deafness. When used in sentences, it often follows a subject and is connected by a linking verb like "是" (shì, to be) or "变得" (biàndé, to become).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, there is a tradition of respect for people with disabilities, including those who are deaf. Chinese Sign Language has a long history and is an important part of communication for the deaf community in China. There are also many idioms and expressions that use the concept of deafness metaphorically, such as "充耳不闻" (chōngěrbùwén) meaning "to turn a deaf ear to something". In recent years, there have been increased efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for the deaf community in China.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 聋 consists of 耳 (ěr, ear) on the left and 龙 (lóng, dragon) on the right. You can imagine a dragon (龙) making such a loud noise that it affects someone's ears (耳), causing them to become deaf. This visual association can help you remember the character's meaning.