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March 24, 2026
杼zhù(zhu4)
The character 杼 (zhù) primarily refers to a sewing shuttle or a loom shuttle, which is a tool used in weaving to carry the thread across the warp. It can also describe objects that are long, narrow, and thin, like certain types of wood or materials. In specific contexts, it can refer to scrub oak, emphasizing its shape and utility.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, the shuttle is an essential tool, symbolizing craftsmanship and the importance of textiles in Chinese culture. Weaving is not only a practical skill but also an art form that has deep historical roots in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, thin shuttle weaving threads together on a loom. The character 杼 looks like a person (the vertical line) holding a long tool (the horizontal lines) to connect different threads, symbolizing the act of weaving. Remember 'zhù' by visualizing this shuttle in action.
Meanings of 杼
zhù(zhu4)
1scrub oak; long, narrow, thin; sewing shuttle
2shuttle of a loom
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 杼
杼Simplified
8Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 杼
Podcast: 杼
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AI Study Notes for 杼
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a long, thin shuttle weaving threads together on a loom. The character 杼 looks like a person (the vertical line) holding a long tool (the horizontal lines) to connect different threads, symbolizing the act of weaving. Remember 'zhù' by visualizing this shuttle in action.
Usage Notes
Be careful when using 杼 as it is often specific to weaving contexts or descriptions of shape. It is not commonly used in daily conversation, so make sure to use it in appropriate contexts like crafts or textile discussions. The tone is crucial; mispronouncing it with the wrong tone can lead to confusion with other characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 杼 is not included in the standard HSK lists, it connects with vocabulary related to textiles and crafts, which can be beneficial for learners interested in these areas. Students should focus on recognizing the character's components and understanding its applications in specific contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, the shuttle is an essential tool, symbolizing craftsmanship and the importance of textiles in Chinese culture. Weaving is not only a practical skill but also an art form that has deep historical roots in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 杼 with similar characters due to its specific usage. For example, using it in a general context like 'shuttle bus' is incorrect; the correct term would be '班车 (bānchē)'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 杼
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Cultural Notes for 杼
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese weaving, the shuttle is an essential tool, symbolizing craftsmanship and the importance of textiles in Chinese culture. Weaving is not only a practical skill but also an art form that has deep historical roots in China.
Word Family of 杼
Words Containing This Character2
杼zhùshuttle of a loom
机杼a loom機杼
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 杼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 杼
In modern contexts, 杼 typically refers to a sewing or loom shuttle used in textile making.
No, 杼 is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it is more relevant in specialized discussions about weaving or crafts.
You can think of 'zhù' as the sound of the shuttle moving swiftly back and forth in weaving.