偶 (ǒu) - Accidental, by chance & even (number)

偶Tone 3

ǒu ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

偶 · ǒu

Accidental, by chance;

even (number);

mate, partner, spouse;

puppet, idol;

occasionally, sometimes.

Accidental, by chanceeven (number)mate, partner, spouse

Usage highlights

By chanceEven numberSpouse, partnerPuppet, dollIdol, starUnlikely coincidence

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 奇— odd (number); strange
  • 必然— inevitable, certain
  • 单身— single, unmarried

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We met by chance (偶然相遇).
  • Even numbers are divisible by two (偶数).
  • They are a perfect couple (佳偶).
  • He collects puppets (木偶).

Collocations

  • By chance(偶然)
  • Even number(偶数)
  • Spouse, partner(配偶)
  • Puppet, doll(木偶)
  • Idol, star(偶像)
  • Unlikely coincidence(奇偶)

Idioms

  • An unexpected encounter(不期而偶)
  • An extraordinary coincidence(无独有偶)
  • Match made in heaven(佳偶天成)
  • Wooden puppet, clay statue(木偶土偶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to wooden or clay figures used in rituals, later extended to puppets and idols.
  • In mathematics, represents even numbers (as opposed to 奇 for odd numbers), symbolizing balance and pairing.
  • In relationships, conveys the idea of a destined match or spouse, often used in wedding contexts.

FAQ