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March 24, 2026
棕zōng(zong1)
The character 棕 (zōng) primarily refers to the color brown and can also denote various types of palm trees and the fibers derived from them, such as coir. It is commonly used in contexts related to nature, textiles, and colors, often associated with earthy tones and organic materials.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#10471DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, brown is often associated with stability and reliability, much like the sturdy palm trees found in southern China. Palm trees also play a role in local crafts and are seen in regions famous for coconut production.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 棕 as a 'palm tree' under a brown sun, where the left side (木) represents 'tree' and the right side (宗) suggests a strong connection to nature. Imagine the palm's fibers being used to weave a cozy brown mat.
Meanings of 棕
zōng(zong1)
1palm
2palm fiber
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 棕
棕Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10471Frequency Rank
Podcast: 棕
Podcast: 棕
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AI Study Notes for 棕
Quick Contrast
棕 (brown) vs 褐 (brown, darker shade) — use 棕 for general brown tones, while 褐 is more specific to darker or more muted shades.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 棕 as a 'palm tree' under a brown sun, where the left side (木) represents 'tree' and the right side (宗) suggests a strong connection to nature. Imagine the palm's fibers being used to weave a cozy brown mat.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 棕 can refer both to the color brown and to palm-related items, which can lead to confusion in context. It is more common in informal settings but can also appear in descriptive language. Watch for tone errors, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 棕 is not included in HSK levels, it connects well to other color terms and nature-related vocabulary. Focus on its pronunciation and usage in descriptive phrases to enhance your vocabulary related to colors and plants.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, brown is often associated with stability and reliability, much like the sturdy palm trees found in southern China. Palm trees also play a role in local crafts and are seen in regions famous for coconut production.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 棕 with other color characters like 红 (red) or 黑 (black). For example, saying '我喜欢棕色的苹果' (I like brown apples) is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢红色的苹果' (I like red apples).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棕
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Grammar Patterns of 棕
棕 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.
The brown rat has prominent ears and a long scaly tail.
5
用“户外女孩”品牌的棕色眉笔更加清晰地勾勒出眉形。
yòng“ “ hù wài nǚ” hái ” pǐn pái de zōng sè méi bǐ gēng jiā qīng xī dì gōu lè chū。
Give your brows extra definition with Outdoor Girl'sEyebrow Pencil in Brown.
6
安娜穿着亚麻长袍，衬出其棕色的皮肤，显得十分高贵。
ān nà chuān zháo yà má cháng páo， ， chèn chū qí zōng sè de pí， fū ， xiǎn dé shí fēn。
Anna looked tanned and majestic in her linen caftan.
7
一只棕色的小鹿蹦跳着穿过他们面前的那条小路。
yī zhī zōng sè de xiǎo lù bèng tiào zháo chuān guò tā mén miàn qián de nà tiáo xiǎo lù。
A small brown fawn hopped across the trail in front of them.
8
他的头发又变回原来的淡红棕色。
tā de tóu fā yòu biàn huí yuán lái de dàn hóng zōng sè。
His hair has reverted back to its original copper hue.
9
那里的走廊从地面到齐肩高的部分都漆成棕褐色。
nà lǐ de zǒu láng cóng dì miàn dào qí jiān gāo de bù fēn dū qī chéng zōng hè sè。
The corridors there were painted chocolate-brown to shoulder height.
10
她身材偏高，棕色头发，皮肤光洁。
tā shēn cái piān gāo， ， zōng sè tóu， fā ， pí fū。
She is tallish, brown-haired, and clear-skinned.
Cultural Notes for 棕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, brown is often associated with stability and reliability, much like the sturdy palm trees found in southern China. Palm trees also play a role in local crafts and are seen in regions famous for coconut production.
Word Family of 棕
Words Containing This Character16
棕色zōngsèbrown
棕榈palm tree棕櫚
棕zōngpalm
棕榈油palm oil棕櫚油
棕熊brown bear
棕红reddish brown棕紅
棕榈树palm tree棕櫚樹
棕黑dark brown
棕树palm tree棕樹
棕黄light brown棕黃
深棕色dark brown
棕绳rope of palm fiber棕繩
棕毛coir
油棕oil palm
棕绷rectangular frame with a palm fiber mat woven across it (placed on a bed frame as the sleeping surface)棕繃
棕编coir棕編
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 棕色 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 棕
棕 specifically represents the color brown.
Yes, it can also refer to palm trees and the fibers derived from them.
It is pronounced as 'zōng' with a high level tone.
