Learn a Chinese Character - 虑

1. Character Basics

Radical: 虍(hū, tiger radical)

Stroke Count: 10

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: lǜ (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

To consider; to think; to worry; to plan; to deliberate

4. Common Words

• 考虑 (kǎolǜ) - to consider; to think about
• 顾虑 (gùlǜ) - misgiving; worry; concern
• 忧虑 (yōulǜ) - anxiety; worry; concern
• 思虑 (sīlǜ) - thinking; consideration
• 深虑 (shēnlǜ) - careful consideration; deep thought
• 远虑 (yuǎnlǜ) - foresight; long-term consideration
• 过虑 (guòlǜ) - excessive worry; overconcern

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "虑" is primarily used as a verb meaning "to consider" or "to worry". It is often combined with other characters to form verbs and nouns related to thinking, planning, and worrying. In sentences, it can be used as a transitive verb followed by an object, such as "考虑问题" (kǎolǜ wèntí, to consider a problem) or as part of compound verbs like "深谋远虑" (shēnmóu-yuǎnlǜ, to think deeply and plan for the future).

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "虑" (thinking, considering) has deep philosophical roots. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and foresight in decision-making. The character also appears in many Chinese idioms and proverbs, reflecting the cultural value placed on thoughtful deliberation. For example, "人无远虑，必有近忧" (rén wú yuǎn lǜ, bì yǒu jìn yōu) means "if one does not plan for the future, one will have immediate worries", highlighting the importance of forward thinking.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character 虑 is composed of 虍(hū, tiger radical) on the top and 心(xīn, heart) at the bottom. You can remember this character by associating it with a "tiger thinking with its heart". The combination of these components suggests deep, careful consideration or worry that comes from the heart.