Meanings of 咒
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About 咒
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Podcast: 咒
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AI study notes for 咒
咒 (curse) vs 诅 (curse, more formal) — use 咒 for a more colloquial or narrative context.
Be aware that 咒 is often used in a more formal or literary context and may not be common in daily conversation. A common mistake is using it interchangeably with other terms for 'curse' without recognizing the specific magical connotation it carries. Note that the pronunciation is important; misplacing the tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although not part of the official HSK levels, this character can connect with other HSK vocabulary related to magic or folklore, such as '魔法' (mófǎ) for magic. Focus on understanding the context in which 咒 is used, particularly in stories or discussions about traditional Chinese beliefs.
Learners often confuse 咒 with other curse-related terms and may incorrectly use it in casual conversation. For example, using 咒 to casually express frustration instead of a more appropriate term like '骂' (mà) for 'to scold' could lead to misunderstandings.
Pronunciation of 咒
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Learning Lab
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 咒
Decomposition of 咒
Parts
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How to say to curse; to damn; incantation in Chinese
“to curse; to damn; incantation” in Chinese is咒
The character 咒 (zhòu) refers to the act of cursing or casting a spell, often associated with incantations used in magical or religious practices. It can imply a sense of invoking supernatural forces to bring about harm or misfortune to someone. Commonly used in literature and folklore, this term can evoke feelings of fear or reverence.
When to use 咒
Be aware that 咒 is often used in a more formal or literary context and may not be common in daily conversation. A common mistake is using it interchangeably with other terms for 'curse' without recognizing the specific magical connotation it carries. Note that the pronunciation is important; misplacing the tone can change the meaning entirely.
咒 or something close to it
咒 (curse) vs 诅 (curse, more formal) — use 咒 for a more colloquial or narrative context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 咒 with other curse-related terms and may incorrectly use it in casual conversation. For example, using 咒 to casually express frustration instead of a more appropriate term like '骂' (mà) for 'to scold' could lead to misunderstandings.
Write 咒
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Practice writing 咒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 咒
咒 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
夏尔马先生点上香，念起梵文____语。
Mr Sharma lit incense and chanted Sanskrit mantras.
Example sentences for 咒 (6)
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Word Family of 咒
Words with 咒
What does 诅咒 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 咒
While both mean 'curse', 诅咒 (zǔzhòu) is more commonly used in everyday language, whereas 咒 (zhòu) has a more formal or mystical connotation.
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