Chinese Character: 鹿
1. Character Basics
Radical: 鹿(lù, deer radical)
Stroke Count: 11
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lù (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Deer
4. Common Words
- 鹿角 (lùjiǎo) - deer antlers
- 鹿茸 (lùróng) - velvet antler (used in traditional Chinese medicine)
- 鹿肉 (lùròu) - venison
- 梅花鹿 (méihuālù) - sika deer
- 长颈鹿 (chángjǐnglù) - giraffe
- 白鹿 (báilù) - white deer (symbolic in Chinese culture)
- 鹿苑 (lùyuàn) - deer park
- 鹿皮 (lùpí) - deer skin
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "鹿" is primarily used as a noun meaning "deer". It is often combined with other characters to form compound nouns related to deer, their body parts, or species of deer. In Chinese, "鹿" is also used in idioms and cultural expressions where deer symbolize various qualities.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the deer has rich symbolic meaning. It is often associated with longevity, good fortune, and prosperity. In Daoist beliefs, the deer is considered a magical creature that carries immortals. The character "鹿" also appears in many Chinese idioms and literary works. For example, "逐鹿中原" (zhúlù zhōngyuán) literally means "chasing deer in the Central Plains" and metaphorically refers to competing for power or dominance. Deer antlers (鹿茸) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 森林里有许多鹿在自由自在地奔跑。
Pinyin: Sēnlín lǐ yǒu xǔduō lù zài zìyóu zìzài de bēnpǎo.
English: There are many deer running freely in the forest.
8. Memory Tips
The character 鹿 is a pictographic character that resembles a deer with antlers. You can remember this character by visualizing its shape as a deer with a head, antlers, and body. The top part looks like antlers, the middle part represents the head and neck, and the bottom part forms the body and legs. This visual association can help you remember both the character's form and its meaning.