虏 (lǔ) - To capture, take prisoner & captive, prisoner of war

虏Tone 3

lǔ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 虍

林伦

虏 · lǔ

To capture, take prisoner;

captive, prisoner of war;

a contemptuous term for enemies or barbarians.

To capture, take prisonercaptive, prisoner of wara contemptuous term for enemies or barbarians.

Usage highlights

CapturePrisoner of warBarbarianEnemyPlunder and captureCaptive

Synonyms

  • 俘— captive, prisoner of war
  • 擒— capture, seize
  • 捉— catch, capture

Antonyms

  • 释— release, set free
  • 放— release, let go
  • 救— rescue, save

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army captured many enemies (俘虏了许多敌人).
  • He was taken as a prisoner of war (成为战虏).
  • The barbarian invaders were defeated (虏寇被击败).
  • They looted and captured during the raid (虏掠).

Collocations

  • Capture(俘虏)
  • Prisoner of war(战虏)
  • Barbarian(虏人)
  • Enemy(虏寇)
  • Plunder and capture(虏掠)
  • Captive(虏获)

Idioms

  • To capture alive(生擒活虏)
  • To take many prisoners(斩将虏旗)
  • Barbarian captives(蛮夷虏囚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically used as a derogatory term for northern nomadic peoples who frequently conflicted with Chinese dynasties.
  • In ancient Chinese texts, often refers to Xiongnu, Xianbei, and other northern tribes considered barbarians.
  • The character reflects historical Sino-nomadic conflicts and Chinese ethnocentric worldview.

FAQ