Chinese Character: 露
1. Character Basics
Radical: 雨 (yǔ, rain radical)
Stroke Count: 21
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lù (Fourth tone) or lòu (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
When pronounced as "lù": dew; juice; syrup; reveal; expose When pronounced as "lòu": to appear; to show (up); to leak out; to expose
4. Common Words
- 露水 (lùshuǐ) - dew
- 露珠 (lùzhū) - dew drop
- 露天 (lùtiān) - open-air; outdoor
- 露营 (lùyíng) - camping
- 暴露 (bàolù) - to expose; to reveal
- 流露 (liúlù) - to reveal; to show
- 露出 (lùchū) - to reveal; to expose
- 露面 (lòumiàn) - to show up; to appear in public
- 泄露 (xièlòu) - to leak; to reveal
- 露出马脚 (lòuchū mǎjiǎo) - to give oneself away; to let the cat out of the bag
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "露" has two main pronunciations with slightly different usages: 1. Pronounced as "lù": - Primarily used in nouns related to dew, liquids, or exposure in a more formal or literary context - Example: 露水 (dew), 露珠 (dew drop), 露天 (open-air) - Can also be used as a verb meaning "to expose" in more formal contexts - Example: 暴露 (to expose), 流露 (to reveal) 2. Pronounced as "lòu": - Primarily used as a verb in colloquial contexts meaning "to show up" or "to leak out" - Example: 露面 (to show up), 泄露 (to leak) - Often used in idiomatic expressions - Example: 露出马脚 (to give oneself away) In both pronunciations, when used as a verb, "露" can function as a transitive verb, taking an object that is being revealed or exposed.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, "露" (dew) has been a common theme in poetry and literature, symbolizing purity, transience, and the beauty of nature. The character's association with rain (雨 radical) reflects its connection to water and the natural world. Traditional Chinese medicine also recognizes the value of morning dew, which was believed to have healing properties. Additionally, the concept of "露出真面目" (revealing one's true face) is a common idiom in Chinese culture, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and sincerity.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese (lù): 清晨，草叶上挂满了露珠。
Pinyin: Qīngchén, cǎoyè shàng guàmǎnle lùzhū.
English: In the early morning, the grass leaves are covered with dewdrops.
Chinese (lòu): 他从不敢在公众场合露面。
Pinyin: Tā cóng bùgǎn zài gōngzhòng chǎnghé lòumiàn.
English: He never dares to show up in public.
8. Memory Tips
The character 露 consists of 雨 (yǔ, rain) on the top and 路 (lù, road) on the bottom. You can imagine rain falling on a road, which helps associate the character with its meaning of "dew" or "to expose". The bottom part "路" also provides the pronunciation clue for the "lù" pronunciation. Remember that it has two pronunciations, with "lòu" being more colloquial.