Cao Yu (), family name Zi (), was the fifth ruler of Predynastic Shang. He is not attested in oracle bone inscriptions, only being mentioned in post-Shang texts such as Records of the Grand Historian.
As a ruler of Predynastic Shang, Cao Yu is a descendent of Xie of Shang, the legendary founder of the tribe; this makes him a descendent of Emperor Ku and the Yellow Emperor. His grandfather, Xiang Tu, is recorded as having been a chariot-maker. His son was Ming, who would succeed him after his death.