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March 24, 2026
朔shuò(shuo4)
The character 朔 (shuò) refers to the beginning of something, particularly the first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar. It is commonly used in contexts related to timekeeping and lunar cycles, symbolizing new beginnings and the start of a new phase.
Strokes10Radical月Frequency#14703DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the lunar calendar plays a significant role in festivals and traditional activities, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which aligns with the lunar phases. The term 朔 is essential for understanding these cultural practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine the moon (月) rising in the north (北) on the first day of the month (朔). The character 朔 visually combines the idea of the moon and the concept of beginnings, allowing you to remember it as 'the start of the lunar month.'
Meanings of 朔
shuò(shuo4)
1beginning; the first day of the lunar month
2first day of lunar month
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 朔
朔Simplified
10Strokes
月Radical
简称abbreviation (abbr.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 朔
Podcast: 朔
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AI Study Notes for 朔
Quick Contrast
新 (xīn, new) — use 朔 when specifically referring to the first day of the lunar month, while 新 is broader, applying to anything that is new.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine the moon (月) rising in the north (北) on the first day of the month (朔). The character 朔 visually combines the idea of the moon and the concept of beginnings, allowing you to remember it as 'the start of the lunar month.'
Usage Notes
When using 朔, avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like '所' (suǒ) which means 'place.' This term is more formal and is typically found in literary or historical texts. Common collocations include '朔月' (first month) and '朔望' (new moon).
HSK Study Tips
Although 朔 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to HSK Level 3 terms related to time and lunar phases. Students should focus on understanding its contextual usage in relation to the lunar calendar.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the lunar calendar plays a significant role in festivals and traditional activities, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which aligns with the lunar phases. The term 朔 is essential for understanding these cultural practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 朔 with 朴 (pǔ), which means 'simple' or 'plain.' A wrong example would be saying '我喜欢朴月' instead of '我喜欢朔月' to refer to the first day of the month.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 朔
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Grammar Patterns of 朔
朔 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
阵____风和雪片随着驾驶员一涌而进.
A gust of wind , and snow flurries, accompanied the pilots.
A gust of wind , and snow flurries, accompanied the pilots.
Cultural Notes for 朔
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the lunar calendar plays a significant role in festivals and traditional activities, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which aligns with the lunar phases. The term 朔 is essential for understanding these cultural practices.
Word Family of 朔
Words Containing This Character14
朔shuòbeginning
扑朔迷离confusing撲朔迷離
王朔Wang Shuo (1958-), Chinese writer, director and actor
阳朔Yangshuo county in Guilin 桂林[Guìlín], Guangxi陽朔
朔州Shuozhou prefecture level city in Shanxi 山西
朔望the new moon
朔州市Shuozhou prefecture level city in Shanxi 山西
朔风north wind朔風
正朔first day of the first lunar month
朔日first day of the lunar month
阳朔县Yangshuo county in Guilin 桂林[Guìlín], Guangxi陽朔縣
朔城区Shuocheng district of Shuozhou city 朔州市[Shuòzhōushì], Shanxi朔城區
朔风凛冽The north wind is icy cold.朔風凜冽
朔月new moon
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 朔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 朔
In modern terms, 朔 primarily refers to the first day of the lunar month, which is relevant for understanding traditional Chinese festivals.
It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or formal contexts, especially when discussing the lunar calendar.
