遛

• Pinyin: liù
• Hanzi breakdown: 遛 = 辶 (walking radical) + 留 (to stay/linger — implying a slow, meandering pace)

Meaning

To walk (an animal); to stroll; especially to take a pet out for exercise.

Primarily used in the context of walking pets, particularly 遛狗 (walking the dog). Can also be used colloquially for taking a leisurely stroll. The term is informal and native-sounding in everyday Mandarin.

Examples

1. 他每天清晨六点起床，带着金毛犬去附近的公园遛弯。 He gets up at six every morning and takes his golden retriever for a walk in a nearby park.
2. 退休后，老王最大的乐趣就是在黄昏时分遛鸟，与街坊聊天。 After retiring, Old Wang’s greatest pleasure is taking his pet bird out at dusk and chatting with the neighbors.
3. 小区里禁止不牵绳遛狗，违规者将被处以罚款。 In this residential community, walking dogs without a leash is prohibited, and violators will be fined.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, pets, leisure

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你今天遛狗了吗？天气这么好，正适合去公园走一走。(Have you walked the dog today? The weather is so nice — perfect for a stroll in the park.)
• 她习惯饭后遛弯半小时，既有助于消化，又能放松心情。(She makes a habit of taking a half-hour stroll after dinner — it aids digestion and helps her unwind.)

Don't Say

• 将遛用于正式书面语 — 遛 is informal and colloquial; in formal writing use 散步 or 带...外出 instead (Don't use 遛 in formal writing — it's colloquial; use 散步 or 带...外出 instead)

Origin & History

Single character; originally meaning to walk slowly or stroll, now most commonly used for walking pets.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal