lù: 路 - Road, Path, Way

Keywords: 路, lù, Chinese for road, Chinese for path, learn Chinese, Chinese character for way, route in Chinese, HSK 2 word, Chinese measure word for bus, Chinese vocabulary, asking for directions in Chinese.

Summary: Discover the Chinese character 路 (lù), a fundamental word meaning “road,” “path,” or “way.” This comprehensive guide for beginners explores its literal use for streets and bus routes, its profound cultural significance as a metaphor for life's journey, and its practical application in everyday conversation. Learn how to ask for directions, talk about your career path, and understand related concepts like 道 (dào) and 街 (jiē) to navigate both the streets of China and the nuances of the language.

Pinyin (with tone marks): lù

Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word

HSK Level: HSK 2

Concise Definition: A physical road or path, an abstract way or method, or a designated route.

In a Nutshell: 路 (lù) is one of the most versatile and essential characters you'll learn. It starts with the simple, concrete image of a “road” you walk or drive on. From there, it expands to describe a bus “route” (e.g., the Number 10 bus is the 10 路车). Most importantly, it's used metaphorically for abstract concepts like the “path” of your life or career, or the “way” to solve a problem. Mastering 路 is a key step in moving from talking about physical locations to discussing life and ideas.

路 (lù): This is a pictophonetic compound character, meaning one part suggests the meaning and the other suggests the sound.

Radical (Meaning): 足 (zú) on the left means “foot.” This grounds the character in the idea of walking, travel, and movement.

Phonetic (Sound): 各 (gè) on the right means “each” or “every.” In ancient Chinese, its pronunciation was closer to 路 (lù) and it lends its sound to the character.

Combined Meaning: You can think of 路 (lù) as the place where “each foot” (各 + 足) can go. This beautifully illustrates its core meaning as a path or road created for travel.

The Path of Life: In Chinese culture, life is often conceptualized as a journey down a path. 路 (lù) is the everyday word for this concept. While the philosophical term 道 (dào) refers to a grand, cosmic “Way,” 路 (lù) is its practical, earthly counterpart. A person's choices, career, and moral journey are their “人生之路” (rénshēng zhī lù) - the “road of their life.” Sayings like “一路顺风” (yīlù shùnfēng), meaning “May your journey be smooth,” are used for everything from seeing a friend off at the airport to wishing them well on a new project.

Comparison to Western “Path”: In Western cultures, particularly American, there's a strong emphasis on “forging your own path,” which implies creating something new out of wilderness. The Chinese concept of 路 (lù) often carries a subtle connotation of following a path that already exists, whether it's one laid out by family expectations, societal norms, or a proven method for success. While you choose which 路 to take, the idea of creating a completely new one is less culturally prominent. Finding the “right” path is often more important than creating a “unique” one.

Street Names and Addresses: 路 (lù) is the standard suffix for “Road” in an address.

Example: 南京西路 (Nánjīng Xī Lù) - West Nanjing Road.

Asking for Directions: It's the most common word used when asking how to get somewhere.

Example: 请问，去火车站走哪条路？ (Qǐngwèn, qù huǒchēzhàn zǒu nǎ tiáo lù?) - Excuse me, which road goes to the train station?

Bus Routes (Crucial Use): 路 is used as a measure word for bus routes. This is a highly specific and critical piece of practical knowledge.

Example: 我要坐 5 路公交车。(Wǒ yào zuò wǔ lù gōngjiāochē.) - I need to take the number 5 bus.

Metaphorical Usage: It's frequently used to talk about solutions, careers, and life experiences.

Positive: 他找到了自己的路。(Tā zhǎodào le zìjǐ de lù.) - He found his own path (in life/career).

Negative: 他们已经走投无路了。(Tāmen yǐjīng zǒutóuwúlù le.) - They are at a dead end / have no way out.

Example 1:

我家在中山路三百号。

Pinyin: Wǒ jiā zài Zhōngshān Lù sānbǎi hào.

English: My home is at number 300, Zhongshan Road.

Analysis: A standard, practical use of 路 (lù) in an address.

Example 2:

你知道去人民公园怎么走路吗？

Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào qù Rénmín Gōngyuán zěnme zǒu lù ma?

English: Do you know how to walk to the People's Park?

Analysis: “走路 (zǒulù)” is a common verb compound meaning “to walk.”

Example 3:

这辆是 21 路公交车，不是 12 路。

Pinyin: Zhè liàng shì èrshíyī lù gōngjiāochē, búshì shí'èr lù.

English: This is the number 21 bus, not the number 12.

Analysis: Demonstrates the crucial use of 路 (lù) as a measure word for bus routes.

Example 4:

祝你一路平安！

Pinyin: Zhù nǐ yī lù píng'ān!

English: Wishing you a safe journey!

Analysis: A very common blessing for someone who is traveling. It literally means “one road, peace.”

Example 5:

他人生的路非常坎坷。

Pinyin: Tā rénshēng de lù fēicháng kǎnkě.

English: His life's path has been very bumpy/difficult.

Analysis: A perfect example of 路 (lù) used as a metaphor for life's journey.

Example 6:

这条路晚上没有路灯，有点儿危险。

Pinyin: Zhè tiáo lù wǎnshang méiyǒu lùdēng, yǒudiǎnr wēixiǎn.

English: This road doesn't have streetlights at night, it's a bit dangerous.

Analysis: Note the measure word for road, 条 (tiáo).

Example 7:

我们好像迷路了。

Pinyin: Wǒmen hǎoxiàng mílù le.

English: It seems like we're lost.

Analysis: 迷路 (mílù) is a set verb compound meaning “to get lost.”

Example 8:

在下一个路口向右转。

Pinyin: Zài xià yíge lùkǒu xiàng yòu zhuǎn.

English: Turn right at the next intersection.

Analysis: 路口 (lùkǒu), literally “road mouth,” is the word for an intersection.

Example 9:

我们必须找到一条新的出路来解决这个问题。

Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū zhǎodào yī tiáo xīn de chūlù lái jiějué zhège wèntí.

English: We must find a new way out (solution) to solve this problem.

Analysis: 出路 (chūlù) literally means “exit road” and is used to mean “a solution” or “a way out of a predicament.”

Example 10:

车到山前必有路。

Pinyin: Chē dào shān qián bì yǒu lù.

English: When the cart gets to the mountain, there will surely be a road.

Analysis: A famous proverb encouraging optimism. It's the equivalent of “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it” or “Things will work out.”

路 (lù) vs. 道 (dào): This is a key distinction.

路 (lù): A specific, physical road, street, or path. Also used for practical routes (bus) and personal life paths. It's the default, common word.

道 (dào): A very wide, major avenue (e.g., 长安大道 - Chang'an Avenue) OR a profound, philosophical “Way” or “Path” (as in Daoism/Taoism).

Mistake: A beginner might say “这是什么道?” to ask for a street name. You should say “这是什么路?” unless it's a famous, grand avenue.

路 (lù) vs. 街 (jiē):

路 (lù): “Road.” A general term, can be large or small, inside or outside a city.

街 (jiē): “Street.” This term strongly implies a commercial or busy area within a city, lined with shops and buildings. Think “Main Street.” A famous shopping road is often called a 街 (e.g., 王府井大街 - Wangfujing Street).

Mistake: Using 街 (jiē) for a quiet, residential road. 路 (lù) would be more appropriate.

Forgetting the Measure Word Usage: One of the most common practical mistakes is failing to use 路 for bus routes.

Incorrect: 我坐七个车。(Wǒ zuò qī gè chē.) - “I ride seven cars.”

Correct: 我坐七路车。(Wǒ zuò qī lù chē.) - “I ride the number 7 bus.”

马路 (mǎlù) - The most common colloquial word for “street” or “road.” Literally “horse road.” It's often used interchangeably with 路.

路线 (lùxiàn) - A planned “route” or “itinerary.” More formal than 路. Literally “road line.”

出路 (chūlù) - A “way out” of a difficult situation; a solution. Literally “exit road.”

道路 (dàolù) - A formal, often written, term for “road” or “pathway.” You'll see it on traffic signs.

迷路 (mílù) - A verb meaning “to get lost.” Literally “to be confused about the road.”

路口 (lùkǒu) - An “intersection” or “crossroads.” Literally “road mouth.”

问路 (wènlù) - A verb meaning “to ask for directions.” Literally “to ask the road.”

街 (jiē) - A “street,” especially one in a city with shops and heavy foot traffic.

道 (dào) - A “way” or “path,” either a very grand avenue or a philosophical principle.

公路 (gōnglù) - A “highway” or “public road.”