Learn a Chinese Character - 虏

1. Character Basics

Radical: 虍 (hū, tiger radical)

Stroke Count: 8

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lǔ (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Captive; prisoner of war; slave

4. Common Words

• 俘虏 (fúlǔ) - captive; prisoner of war
• 虏获 (lǔhuò) - capture; take prisoner
• 虏掠 (lǔlüè) - plunder; pillage
• 降虏 (jiànglǔ) - prisoner who has surrendered
• 虏囚 (lǔqiú) - prisoner
• 虏酋 (lǔqiú) - chief of prisoners
• 胡虏 (húlǔ) - ancient term for barbarian captives
• 虏兵 (lǔbīng) - captive soldiers

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "虏" is primarily used as a noun referring to captives or prisoners. It is often combined with other characters to form compound words related to captivity, capture, or prisoners of war. In classical Chinese, it was also used as a derogatory term for non-Chinese ethnic groups.

6. Cultural Background

In ancient Chinese history, the concept of "虏" (prisoners of war) played an important role in military conflicts and social structure. Captured enemies were often enslaved or used for labor. The character's radical "虍" (tiger) may symbolize the fierce nature of capturing enemies in battle. In Chinese literature, the term "俘虏" has been used to describe prisoners in various historical contexts.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 虏 consists of 虍 (hū, tiger) on top and 男 (nán, man) at the bottom. You can remember this character by imagining a tiger (symbolizing power) capturing a man, resulting in a captive or prisoner. The combination of these two components effectively conveys the meaning of someone who is captured or imprisoned.