unknown, 17 strokes, radical 扌, rank #83881, Very Hard
擢
zhuó
to promote
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 扌, rank #83881, Very Hard
zhuó(zhuo2) T2
1to pull up, to raise; to select
2to pull out
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March 24, 2026
擢zhuó(zhuo2)
The character 擢 (zhuó) primarily means to pull up or raise something, often in the context of selecting or promoting individuals or items. It is commonly used in formal settings such as job promotions or academic selections, where someone is 'pulled up' to a higher position or status.
Strokes17Radical扌Frequency#83881DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of promoting individuals is deeply linked to the Confucian value of meritocracy, where one's abilities and contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Memory Tip
Imagine a gardener (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') gently pulling up a plant (the character's overall form) to promote its growth. This image connects the act of raising or selecting (擢) with the nurturing process of gardening.
Meanings of 擢
zhuó(zhuo2)
1to pull up, to raise; to select
2to pull out
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 擢
擢Simplified
17Strokes
扌Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 擢
Podcast: 擢
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AI Study Notes for 擢
Quick Contrast
擢 (zhuó) vs 提 (tí) — use 擢 for formal selections or promotions, while 提 is more general for lifting or raising.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a gardener (the radical 扌, meaning 'hand') gently pulling up a plant (the character's overall form) to promote its growth. This image connects the act of raising or selecting (擢) with the nurturing process of gardening.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 擢, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. It is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 擢升 (to promote) and 擢用 (to select for use).
HSK Study Tips
While 擢 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK level 5 vocabulary related to promotion and selection, such as 选 (xuǎn, to choose). Focus on understanding its usage in formal contexts to enhance your vocabulary related to career and education.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of promoting individuals is deeply linked to the Confucian value of meritocracy, where one's abilities and contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 擢 with the similar-sounding 夺 (duó, to seize), leading to incorrect interpretations. Always remember that 擢 specifically relates to raising or promoting, not seizing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 擢
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Cultural Notes for 擢
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of promoting individuals is deeply linked to the Confucian value of meritocracy, where one's abilities and contributions are recognized and rewarded.
Word Family of 擢
Words Containing This Character5
擢zhuóto pull out
擢升to upgrade
拔擢select the best people for promotion
擢第to pass the civil service examination (in imperial China)
擢发难数fig. innumerable (crimes)擢髮難數
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 擢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 擢
Common phrases include 擢升 (to promote) and 擢用 (to select for use).
No, 擢 is typically used in formal contexts, especially related to promotions or selections.
You can remember the pronunciation 'zhuó' by associating it with the act of raising or pulling up something important.
