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March 24, 2026
杖zhàng(zhang4)
The character 杖 (zhàng) primarily refers to a staff or cane used for support while walking. It can also imply a rod or stick used for various purposes, including punishment in historical contexts. In modern usage, it is often associated with tools for assistance in mobility, especially for the elderly.
Strokes7Radical木Frequency#15329DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of a walking stick or cane (杖) is often associated with respect for the elderly, symbolizing support and care. It's common to see older individuals using canes in traditional settings, highlighting the importance of honoring age and wisdom.
Memory Tip
Imagine an elderly person using a wooden staff (杖) to walk. The character has the radical '木' (wood) which reminds you that a cane is typically made of wood. The sound 'zhàng' can be remembered by thinking of 'jangle' as the staff might make noise if it hits the ground.
Meanings of 杖
zhàng(zhang4)
1a staff
2a rod
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 杖
杖Simplified
7Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#15329Frequency Rank
Podcast: 杖
Podcast: 杖
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AI Study Notes for 杖
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an elderly person using a wooden staff (杖) to walk. The character has the radical '木' (wood) which reminds you that a cane is typically made of wood. The sound 'zhàng' can be remembered by thinking of 'jangle' as the staff might make noise if it hits the ground.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 杖 with similar-sounding words like 账 (zhàng, meaning 'account'). This character is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as medical discussions or literature, rather than everyday casual conversation. Common collocations include '拐杖' (guǎi zhàng - crutch) and '手杖' (shǒu zhàng - walking stick).
HSK Study Tips
Though 杖 is not in the official HSK vocabulary, its components can help learners recognize other characters with the '木' radical. Students should focus on its practical applications in discussing health and mobility.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of a walking stick or cane (杖) is often associated with respect for the elderly, symbolizing support and care. It's common to see older individuals using canes in traditional settings, highlighting the importance of honoring age and wisdom.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 杖 with 账 (zhàng), which means 'account'. An incorrect usage might be saying '我需要一个账来走路' (wǒ xūyào yīgè zhàng lái zǒulù), which should be '我需要一个杖来走路' (wǒ xūyào yīgè zhàng lái zǒulù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 杖
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Grammar Patterns of 杖
杖 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 5 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
他费力地拄着拐____，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
Example Sentences for 杖 (10)
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1
他费力地拄着拐杖，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
tā fèi lì dì zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng， ， yī qué yī guǎi dì zháo xiàng qì chē zǒu。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
2
她用手杖尖翻拨挪动东西。
tā yòng shǒu zhàng jiān fān bō nuó dòng dōng xī。
She poked and shifted things with the tip of her walking stick.
Pour syrup on it and spread it abroad with a rolling pin.
4
他那湿冷的手紧抓住手杖.
tā nà shī lěng de shǒu jǐn zhuā zhù shǒu zhàng.
He clutched the cane in his clammy hand.
5
男巫通常用魔杖来施魔法.
nán wū tōng cháng yòng mó zhàng lái shī mó fǎ.
Wizards usually use magic wands to perform spells.
6
你们不要以为魔杖一挥便能消除核武器。
nǐ mén bù yào yǐ wéi mó zhàng yī huī biàn néng xiāo chú hé wǔ qì。
You can't simply wave a wand and get rid of nuclear weapons.
7
他把一根拐杖靠在栏杆上。
tā bǎ yī gēn guǎi zhàng kào zài lán gān shàng。
He rested one of his crutches against the rail.
8
他手里拿着一根有金制曲柄的手杖。
tā shǒu lǐ ná zháo yī gēn yǒu jīn zhì qū bǐng de shǒu zhàng。
In his hand, he carried a gold-tipped crook.
9
他在一根杖上刻痕记账.
tā zài yī gēn zhàng shàng kè hén jì zhàng.
He cut nicks in a stick to keep account of his score.
10
他腿摔断了以后,不得不靠拐杖走路.
tā tuǐ shuāi duàn le yǐ hòu, , bù dé bù kào guǎi zhàng zǒu.
When he broke his leg he had to walk on crutches.
Cultural Notes for 杖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of a walking stick or cane (杖) is often associated with respect for the elderly, symbolizing support and care. It's common to see older individuals using canes in traditional settings, highlighting the importance of honoring age and wisdom.
Word Family of 杖
Words Containing This Character8
杖zhànga staff
拐杖guǎizhàngcrutches
手杖cane
魔杖magic wand
权杖scepter權杖
擀面杖rolling pin擀麵杖
禅杖chánzhàngthe staff of a Buddhist monk禪杖
杖头木偶zhangtou wooden rod puppetry杖頭木偶
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 杖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 杖
Common phrases include '拐杖' (guǎi zhàng) for 'crutch' and '手杖' (shǒu zhàng) for 'walking stick'.
It is primarily used in formal contexts, often related to health, care, or literature.
Yes, in literature, it can symbolize support or guidance, akin to a mentor's influence.
