unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #53882, Very Hard
拯
zhěng
to save
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #53882, Very Hard
拯
zhěng
to rescue
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 扌, rank #53882, Very Hard
zhěng(zheng3) T3
1to aid, to help; to lift, to raise
2to support
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March 24, 2026
拯zhěng(zheng3)
The character 拯 (zhěng) means 'to aid' or 'to rescue' and is often used in contexts where someone is being helped or saved from a difficult situation. It conveys a sense of support and assistance, typically in urgent or critical situations, such as rescuing someone from danger.
Strokes9Radical扌Frequency#53882DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of helping others, especially in times of crisis, is highly valued. Words like 拯 are often associated with community support, reflecting traditional values of empathy and collective responsibility.
Memory Tip
Imagine a superhero lifting someone up with a helping hand. The character 拯 resembles a strong arm (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') supporting someone in need, symbolizing aid and rescue, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation 'zhěng'.
Meanings of 拯
zhěng(zheng3)
1to aid, to help; to lift, to raise
2to support
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 拯
拯Simplified
9Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 拯
Podcast: 拯
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AI Study Notes for 拯
Quick Contrast
救 (jiù) - use 拯 (zhěng) when emphasizing the act of aiding or rescuing in a critical situation, while 救 (jiù) is more general for 'to save' or 'to help'.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a superhero lifting someone up with a helping hand. The character 拯 resembles a strong arm (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') supporting someone in need, symbolizing aid and rescue, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation 'zhěng'.
Usage Notes
This word is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about emergency services or humanitarian efforts. Common collocations include 拯救 (zhěngjiù, 'to rescue') and 拯助 (zhěngzhù, 'to assist'). Be mindful that it does not convey a casual sense of help; it's more about significant support.
HSK Study Tips
While 拯 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to help and support, like 帮助 (bāngzhù, 'to help') and 救 (jiù, 'to save'). Students should focus on contextual usage and forming compound words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of helping others, especially in times of crisis, is highly valued. Words like 拯 are often associated with community support, reflecting traditional values of empathy and collective responsibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 拯 with similar words like 帮 (bāng), which is more casual. For example, saying 拯我 (zhěng wǒ, 'aid me') is incorrect; the correct term for casual help would be 帮我 (bāng wǒ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拯
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Grammar Patterns of 拯
拯 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 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 3
Complete the Sentence
门德斯先生正领导一场运动，以____救遭到乱砍滥伐的巴西热带雨林。
Mr Mendes was leading a campaign to save Brazil's rainforest from exploitation.
Example Sentences for 拯 (3)
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1
门德斯先生正领导一场运动，以拯救遭到乱砍滥伐的巴西热带雨林。
mén dé sī xiān shēng zhèng lǐng dǎo yī cháng yùn dòng， ， yǐ zhěng jiù zāo dào luàn kǎn làn fá de bā xī rè dài yǔ。
Mr Mendes was leading a campaign to save Brazil's rainforest from exploitation.
What I've tried very subtly to do is to reclaim language.
3
4个拯救动物园的方案正争得不可开交。
4 4 gè zhěng jiù dòng wù yuán de fāng àn zhèng zhēng dé bù kě kāi。
Four rescue plans are vying to save the zoo.
Cultural Notes for 拯
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the idea of helping others, especially in times of crisis, is highly valued. Words like 拯 are often associated with community support, reflecting traditional values of empathy and collective responsibility.
Word Family of 拯
Words Containing This Character3
拯救zhěngjiùto save
包拯modern day metaphor for an honest politician
拯zhěngto raise
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 拯救 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拯
No, 拯 is more commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as news reports or literature discussing rescue operations.
While both mean 'to help,' 拯 implies a more urgent or critical form of rescue, whereas 帮助 is more general.
It's primarily used in literal contexts of rescue and aid, but can be metaphorically applied in discussions of supporting someone in need.
