Hu

Hu may refer to several topics. In Chinese contexts, Hu is most often encountered as a pinyin rendering of several characters and as a surname. As a surname, 胡 is one of the most common in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. Its historical origins are varied, with multiple lineages adopting the name over centuries and ties to ancient Chinese states and clans.

Beyond a surname, the syllable hu in pinyin corresponds to many different Chinese characters, each with distinct meanings. Examples include 湖 (lake), 虎 (tiger), 呼 (to call), 糊 (paste or glue), 壶 (pot), and 胡 (used as a surname or in historical terms meaning 'barbarian'). Without tone marks, these characters are indistinguishable in spelling, which can lead to ambiguity in romanization.

Notable people with the surname Hu include Hu Jintao (born 1942), who led China as General Secretary of the Communist Party and as president, and Hu Shih (1891–1962), a prominent scholar, philosopher, and diplomat who influenced modern Chinese thought. The name Hu is also used in various place names and as part of other terms in Chinese and other languages, reflecting its broad and diverse usage.

Because Hu is a common pinyin form for multiple characters, its exact meaning depends on context, tone, and the specific character intended.