录

• Pinyin: lù
• Hanzi breakdown: 录 = simplified from 錄; the traditional form contains 金 (metal) + 彔 (phonetic), meaning to carve into metal — to record permanently

Meaning

To record; to tape. The act of capturing audio, video, or data.

A versatile verb used in many compounds: 录音 (record audio), 录像 (record video), 记录 (to record/notes), 录取 (to admit/enrol). On its own, 录 most commonly means to record something. Also used in 目录 (catalogue/table of contents). Very practical in modern life with phones and cameras.

Examples

1. 我用手机录了一段视频。 I recorded a video with my phone.
2. 老师说的话都被录下来了。 Everything the teacher said was recorded.
3. 这首歌是在哪里录的？ Where was this song recorded?

Usage Guide

Context: technology, media, daily life

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你能帮我录一下吗？(Can you record this for me?)
• 我录了一个小视频发给你。(I recorded a short video to send you.)

Don't Say

• 我录了一本书。(Don't use 录 for writing a book — 录 is for audio/video recording. For writing, say 我写了一本书.)

Origin & History

录 is simplified from 錄, which contained 金 (metal) and 彔 (a phonetic component meaning to carve). Originally meant to engrave records on metal — to document permanently.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal