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March 24, 2026
朱(硃)zhū(Zhu1)
The character 朱 (zhū) primarily refers to cinnabar or vermilion, a bright red pigment historically significant in Chinese art and culture. It is also a common surname in China, which can indicate lineage and heritage. The use of this character is often found in contexts related to art, decoration, and personal names.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#9624DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the color red, symbolized by 朱, is associated with good fortune and happiness. It is often used in decorations during festivals and weddings to convey joy and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright red sunset reflected on a shimmering lake, which embodies the essence of 朱 (zhū). The visual of 'red' (the color of cinnabar) can help you remember the pronunciation, as 'zhū' sounds like the beginning of 'zhu' in 'zhush,' which means to adorn with vibrant colors.
Meanings of 朱
zhū(Zhu1)
1cinnabar, vermilion; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 朱
朱Simplified
硃Traditional
6Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 朱
Podcast: 朱
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AI Study Notes for 朱
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright red sunset reflected on a shimmering lake, which embodies the essence of 朱 (zhū). The visual of 'red' (the color of cinnabar) can help you remember the pronunciation, as 'zhū' sounds like the beginning of 'zhu' in 'zhush,' which means to adorn with vibrant colors.
Usage Notes
When using 朱 in writing or conversation, it's important to distinguish whether you are referring to the color or the surname. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or characters. Avoid using 朱 in overly formal contexts where the specific context of color may not be clear.
HSK Study Tips
Though 朱 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other color-related characters, such as 红 (hóng, red) and 蓝 (lán, blue). Focus on the pronunciation and the contexts where colors are discussed to enhance your vocabulary related to art and culture.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the color red, symbolized by 朱, is associated with good fortune and happiness. It is often used in decorations during festivals and weddings to convey joy and prosperity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 朱 (zhū) with 知 (zhī), which means 'to know.' For example, saying '我知道朱' (wǒ zhī dào zhū) instead of '我叫朱' (wǒ jiào zhū) to introduce oneself incorrectly mixes these two characters.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 朱
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Grammar Patterns of 朱
朱 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 2 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 4
Complete the Sentence
“我有他的名片，”____迪丝边说边把名片递了过来。
"I've got his card." Judith said, handing it over.
Example Sentences for 朱 (10)
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1
“我有他的名片，”朱迪丝边说边把名片递了过来。
“ “ wǒ yǒu tā de míng，” piàn ，” zhū dí sī biān shuō biān bǎ míng piàn dì le。
"I've got his card." Judith said, handing it over.
2
当阿蒂彻底不再上门后，朱莉又找了个男人。
dāng ā dì chè dǐ bù zài shàng mén hòu， ， zhū lì yòu zhǎo le gè nán。
When Artie stopped calling altogether, Julie found a new man.
3
朱莉的戏剧老师相信她会成为一颗冉冉升起的明星。
zhū lì de xì jù lǎo shī xiāng xìn tā huì chéng wéi yī kē rǎn rǎn shēng qǐ de míng xīng。
Her drama teacher is confident Julie is a star in the making.
Jules, the story's narrator, is an actress in her late thirties.
Cultural Notes for 朱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the color red, symbolized by 朱, is associated with good fortune and happiness. It is often used in decorations during festivals and weddings to convey joy and prosperity.
Word Family of 朱
Words Containing This Character15
朱zhūcinnabar硃
朱广沪Zhu Guanghu (1949-), PRC soccer coach朱廣滬
朱丽叶Juliet or Juliette (name)朱麗葉
朱利安Julian or Julien (name)
朱诺Juneau, capital of Alaska朱諾
朱德Zhu De (1886-1976), communist leader and founder of the People's Liberation Army
朱元璋Zhu Yuanzhang, personal name of first Ming dynasty emperor Hongwu 洪武[Hóngwǔ]
朱镕基Zhu Rongji (1928-), PRC politician, premier 1998-2003朱鎔基
朱莉娅Julia (name)朱莉婭
朱丽亚Julia (name)朱麗亞
朱古力chocolate (loanword)
朱雀Vermilion Bird (the seven mansions of the south sky)
朱熹Zhu Xi or Chu Hsi (1130-1200), also known as Master Zhu 朱子, Song dynasty Confucian writer and propagandist, founder of neo-Confucianism
朱砂cinnabar
朱棣Zhu Di, personal name of third Ming Emperor Yongle 永樂|永乐[Yǒnglè]
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 朱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 朱
In art, 朱 refers to the bright red pigment, vermilion, which has been used historically in Chinese paintings and calligraphy.
Yes, 朱 is a common surname in China, and it can be found in many historical texts and modern contexts.
Yes, there are other characters with similar pronunciations, but they have different meanings, such as 竹 (zhú, bamboo).
