Learn a Chinese Character - 驴

1. Character Basics

Radical: 马(mǎ, horse radical)

Stroke Count: 7

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lǘ (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Donkey; ass

4. Common Words

• 毛驴 (máolǘ) - donkey
• 驴肉 (lǘròu) - donkey meat
• 驴车 (lǘchē) - donkey cart
• 野驴 (yělǘ) - wild ass
• 驴唇不对马嘴 (lǘchún bù duì mǎzuǐ) - (idiom) incompatible; inconsistent; irrelevant
• 老驴 (lǎolǘ) - old donkey (often used figuratively)

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "驴" is primarily used as a noun referring to the animal donkey. It is often combined with other characters to form compound nouns describing different aspects related to donkeys or idiomatic expressions. In Chinese idioms, "驴" can sometimes be used figuratively, such as in "驴唇不对马嘴" (lǘchún bù duì mǎzuǐ), which means "incompatible" or "irrelevant".

6. Cultural Background

Donkeys have played an important role in Chinese agriculture and transportation for centuries, especially in rural areas. They are valued for their strength, endurance, and ability to work in difficult terrain. In Chinese culture, the donkey is sometimes associated with humility and hard work, but it can also be used in a derogatory sense in certain idioms or expressions. The character "驴" is derived from the horse radical (马) combined with another component, reflecting its classification as a member of the equine family in traditional Chinese character classification.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 驴 is composed of 马(horse radical) on the left and 户(hù, household) on the right. You can remember this character by associating the horse radical with the equine family and the right part "户" with the sound "lǘ". Together, they represent the donkey, which is a common working animal in many households, especially in rural areas.