Chinese Character: 搂
1. Character Basics
Radical: 扌 (hand radical)
Stroke Count: 12
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lǒu (Third tone)
3. Meaning
To hug; to embrace; to put one's arms around; to hold; to gather; to rake; to scrape together; to cuddle; to clasp; to enfold; to cradle; to nestle; to snuggle; to wrap one's arms around; to bear; to carry; to support
4. Common Words
- 搂抱 (lǒubào) - to hug; to embrace; to cuddle
- 搂紧 (lǒujǐn) - to hold tightly; to embrace tightly
- 搂在怀里 (lǒu zài huái lǐ) - to hold in one's arms; to cradle
- 搂钱 (lǒuqián) - to rake in money; to make money greedily
- 搂住 (lǒuzhù) - to hold tightly; to clasp
- 搂腰 (lǒuyāo) - to put one's arm around the waist
- 搂脖子 (lǒubózi) - to put one's arm around the neck
- 搂过来 (lǒuguòlái) - to pull over; to draw close
5. Grammar & Usage
"搂" is a verb that describes the action of using one's arms to hold or gather something or someone.
Grammar Patterns:
- 搂 + 名: 搂孩子 (hold a child), 搂钱 (rake in money)
- 搂 + 在 + 方位: 搂在怀里 (hold in one's arms), 搂在腰间 (hold around the waist)
- 搂 + 动: 搂住 (hold tightly), 搂紧 (embrace tightly)
- 数 + 搂: 一搂粗 (as thick as one's arm span)
- 搂 + 补: 搂过来 (pull over), 搂回去 (pull back)
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, hugging is not as common in public as in Western cultures, especially between unrelated people. However, hugging between family members, close friends, or romantic partners is quite natural and expresses affection.
The character "搂" can also have a negative connotation when used in phrases like "搂钱," which implies greedily accumulating wealth.
In traditional Chinese literature and poetry, hugging or embracing is often used as a metaphor for protection, comfort, or deep connection.
In martial arts, there are specific techniques that involve "搂" movements to control an opponent's arms or body.
7. Example Sentence
中文: 母亲搂住了她的孩子。
Pinyin: Mǔqīn lǒuzhù le tā de háizi.
English: The mother hugged her child.
8. Memory Tips
The character "搂" (lǒu) consists of two parts:
- The radical "扌" (hand radical) on the left, indicating that the meaning is related to hand actions
- The component "娄" on the right, which provides the pronunciation
To remember the character, think of it as "using hands (扌) to embrace," which directly relates to its meaning.
Practice writing the character following the stroke order to help with memorization.
Associate the character with common phrases like "搂抱" (to hug) to reinforce its meaning.
Listen to and practice the pronunciation "lǒu" to become familiar with its sound.