Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
卒(䘚)cù(cu4)
The character 卒 (cù) primarily refers to a soldier or servant and can also mean 'finally' or 'at last' in specific contexts. It is used in historical texts to denote a military rank or position, and in modern contexts, it can refer to a pawn in Chinese chess. The nuance of the word can shift depending on its usage, particularly in literary or formal settings.
Strokes8Radical十Frequency#19876DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, soldiers were often seen as both protectors and servants of the state, reflecting a deep-seated respect for military service in Chinese culture. The character plays a role in historical texts and military literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier (卒) standing at attention, waiting for the final command (cù) to charge. The character resembles a person in uniform, ready to serve, and the pronunciation 'cù' sounds like the last call to action.
Meanings of 卒
cù(cu4)
primary
1soldier; servant; at last, finally
2to finish
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 卒
卒Simplified
䘚Traditional
8Strokes
十Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 卒
Podcast: 卒
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 卒
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier (卒) standing at attention, waiting for the final command (cù) to charge. The character resembles a person in uniform, ready to serve, and the pronunciation 'cù' sounds like the last call to action.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of using 卒 in informal contexts, as it may sound too formal or dramatic. Common collocations include 卒业 (graduation) and 卒子 (pawn in chess). Ensure to distinguish between its meanings to avoid confusion in conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 卒 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the theme of military and rank found in HSK Level 3 and above. Students should focus on its various meanings and contexts to enhance understanding of formal and literary Chinese.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, soldiers were often seen as both protectors and servants of the state, reflecting a deep-seated respect for military service in Chinese culture. The character plays a role in historical texts and military literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 卒 with its variant pronunciations and meanings. For example, using 卒 to mean 'suddenly' instead of 猝 is incorrect; remember that 卒 is specifically related to soldiers and finality.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 卒
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 卒 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 卒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 卒
卒 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
他不仅仅发号施令，还身先士____参加了几次激战。
He didn't just command. He personally fought in several heavy battles.
Example Sentences for 卒 (1)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他不仅仅发号施令，还身先士卒参加了几次激战。
tā bù jǐn jǐn fā hào shī líng， ， huán shēn xiān shì zú cān jiā le jī cì jī。
He didn't just command. He personally fought in several heavy battles.
Cultural Notes for 卒
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, soldiers were often seen as both protectors and servants of the state, reflecting a deep-seated respect for military service in Chinese culture. The character plays a role in historical texts and military literature.
Word Family of 卒
Words Containing This Character16
卒cùsoldier
无名小卒a nobody無名小卒
卒中stroke
士卒soldier
狱卒jailer (old)獄卒
小卒xiǎozúfoot soldier
身先士卒(fig.) to take the lead
走卒servant
兵卒soldiers
马前卒lackey馬前卒
戍卒garrison soldier
贩夫走卒common people販夫走卒
卒业to graduate卒業
暴卒die suddenly
为德不卒lack of sticking power為德不卒
更卒soldier (serving alternate watch)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 卒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卒
In a military context, 卒 refers to a soldier, indicating a rank or position within an army.
While it can be used, 卒 is more commonly found in formal or historical texts rather than casual conversations.
卒 (cù) is primarily used to mean soldier or servant, while 猝 (cu4) means 'sudden' or 'abrupt.' They are often confused due to similar pronunciation.
