Definition
路子 (lù zi) is a colloquial noun for a practical way, method, or approach, often implying insider knowledge or personal connections that make it work. It overlaps with 门路 (mén lu) in both 'knack/method' and 'connections' senses, but 路子 is more informal and emphasizes having an 'inside track' or a tested, effective approach. Unlike 道路 (dào lù) (a formal path/way) or 路线 (lù xiàn) (a route or political line), 路子 is always figurative and conversational.
noun
(colloquial) waymethodapproach(colloquial) connectionspullinside track
Easily confused
- 格子gé zilook-alikelattice (structure of crossed strips)
- 炉子lú zisound-alikestove; oven; furnace
Examples
- 路子，。Tā zuò shēngyi hěn yǒu lù zi, zǒng néng zhǎo dào piányi de huòyuán.He really knows his way around business — he can always find cheap suppliers.
- ，路子。Zhè jiàn shì bù hǎo bàn, nǐ děi zhǎo gè hǎo lù zi cái xíng.This matter isn't easy to handle — you need to find a good approach.
- 路子，。Tā zài zhèngfǔ lǐ yǒu lù zi, bàn shì bǐ biérén kuài duō le.He has connections in the government, so he gets things done much faster than others.
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