Learn a Chinese Character - 骡

1. Character Basics

Radical: 马 (mǎ, horse radical)

Stroke Count: 14

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: luó (second tone)

3. Meaning

Mule (a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse)

4. Common Words

• 骡子 (luózi) - mule
• 骡马 (luómǎ) - mules and horses
• 骡车 (luóchē) - mule-drawn cart
• 骡夫 (luófū) - mule driver
• 骡驹 (luójū) - young mule
• 骡队 (luóduì) - mule train
• 骡粪 (luófèn) - mule dung
• 骡皮 (luópí) - mule hide
• 骡肉 (luóròu) - mule meat
• 骡轿 (luójiào) - mule-borne litter

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "骡" is primarily used as a noun in Chinese grammar:

1. As a noun referring to the animal "mule":
- 这是一匹骡子。(Zhè shì yī pǐ luózi.) - This is a mule.
- 骡子比马更耐劳。(Luózi bǐ mǎ gèng nàiláo.) - Mules are more hardworking than horses.

2. In compound words related to mules:
- 骡马 (luómǎ) - mules and horses
- 骡车 (luóchē) - mule-drawn cart
- 骡队 (luóduì) - mule train

3. In descriptive phrases:
- 骡一样强壮 (luó yīyàng qiángzhuàng) - as strong as a mule
- 骡马成群 (luómǎ chéngqún) - mules and horses in groups

4. Note: "骡" is typically used in formal or specific contexts. In everyday language, the full term "骡子" (luózi) is more commonly used to refer to the animal.

6. Cultural Background

The character "骡" has significant cultural significance in Chinese history, particularly in transportation and agriculture. Mules have been important working animals in China for thousands of years, valued for their strength, endurance, and ability to work in difficult terrain. They were widely used for carrying goods along trade routes like the Silk Road and for agricultural work in mountainous regions where horses might struggle.

In traditional Chinese culture, mules symbolize hard work, endurance, and reliability. They were often praised in folk songs and stories for their ability to endure harsh conditions and carry heavy loads. Even today, mules are still used in some rural areas of China for transportation and agricultural purposes, especially in regions with difficult terrain.

The character itself reflects this cultural importance, combining the horse radical 马 (mǎ) with 累 (lèi, tired), suggesting the hardworking nature of these animals.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "骡" consists of 马 (mǎ, horse) on the left and 累 (lèi, tired) on the right. You can remember this character by associating the horse radical 马 with the animal, and the right part 累 with the hard work that mules are known for. Imagine a hardworking horse (mule) that carries heavy loads and gets tired. This association helps remember both the meaning and structure of the character.