Learn a Chinese Character - 录

1. Character Basics

Radical: 彐(jì, inverted mountain radical) or 录(lù) itself

Stroke Count: 8

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lù (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

To record; to take down; to enroll; to hire; to record (audio/video)

4. Common Words

• 记录 (jìlù) - to record; record; notes
• 录音 (lùyīn) - to record sound; recording
• 录像 (lùxiàng) - to record video; video recording
• 录取 (lùqǔ) - to admit; to enroll; to recruit
• 登录 (dēnglù) - to log in; to register
• 目录 (mùlù) - catalog; directory; list
• 收录 (shōulù) - to include; to collect; to record
• 录制 (lùzhì) - to record; to tape

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "录" is primarily used as a verb meaning "to record" or "to take down". It is often combined with other characters to form compound verbs and nouns related to recording, enrolling, or compiling information. In modern contexts, it is commonly used in technology-related terms such as 录音 (audio recording) and 录像 (video recording).

6. Cultural Background

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "录" has a long history related to record-keeping and documentation. Ancient Chinese scholars developed sophisticated systems for recording history, literature, and philosophical works. The character's structure, with its upper part resembling a hand holding a brush and the lower part representing a plate or surface, reflects its original meaning of documenting information. Today, "录" continues to be an essential character in Chinese for all forms of recording and documentation.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 录 can be remembered by breaking it down into its components. The upper part (彐) looks like a hand holding a writing tool, and the lower part resembles a plate or surface where information is recorded. You can imagine someone writing or inscribing information onto a surface, which connects to the character's meaning of recording or documenting.