Chinese Character: 路
1. Character Basics
Radical: 足(zú, foot radical)
Stroke Count: 13
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: lù (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Road; path; way; journey; route; method; approach
4. Common Words
- 道路 (dàolù) - road; path; way
- 马路 (mǎlù) - street; road
- 小路 (xiǎolù) - path; trail
- 走路 (zǒulù) - to walk
- 路线 (lùxiàn) - route; line
- 路过 (lùguò) - to pass by; to go through
- 思路 (sīlù) - train of thought; thinking process
- 山路 (shānlù) - mountain road; hill path
- 公路 (gōnglù) - highway; public road
- 铁路 (tiělù) - railway; railroad
5. Grammar & Usage
The character "路" is primarily used as a noun referring to physical paths or roads, but it can also be used metaphorically to refer to methods, approaches, or life paths. It is commonly combined with other characters to form compound nouns describing different types of roads or paths. In sentences, it is often used in the structure "[type] + 路" (e.g., 高速公路 expressway) or as part of idiomatic expressions related to journeys and life paths.
6. Cultural Background
The character "路" holds significant cultural symbolism in Chinese culture. It is often used metaphorically to represent life's journey, career paths, or methods of approaching problems. Famous Chinese idioms featuring "路" include "条条大路通罗马" (tiáotiáo dàlù tōng Luómǎ), which translates to "All roads lead to Rome," emphasizing that there are multiple ways to achieve a goal. The concept of "路" also appears in philosophical texts, where it may refer to the Dao (Way) in Daoism. In traditional Chinese literature, roads and journeys are common motifs representing personal growth and transformation.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 虽然这条山路很崎岖，但我们相信只要坚持走下去，就能到达山顶。
Pinyin: Suīrán zhè tiáo shānlù hěn qíqū, dàn wǒmen xiāngxìn zhǐyào jiānchí zǒu xiàqù, jiù néng dàodá shāndǐng.
English: Although this mountain road is very rough, we believe that as long as we keep going, we can reach the top of the mountain.
8. Memory Tips
The character 路 is composed of 足(foot radical) on the left and 各(gè, each) on the right. You can remember this character by associating the foot radical with walking and the right part "各" with the idea that everyone has their own path or road. Together, they represent the concept of a path that people walk on, which is essential for travel and movement.