HSK 4, ng, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Hard
洲
zhōu
island
HSK 4, ng, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Hard
洲
zhōu
island in a river
HSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Hard
zhōu(zhou1) T1
1continent
2island
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March 24, 2026
洲zhōu(zhou1)
The character 洲 (zhōu) refers to a large landmass such as a continent or an island, often in a geographical context. It can also denote an island within a river, emphasizing its significance in both natural geography and discussions about locations.
Strokes9Radical氵Frequency#10427DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of continents and islands is often related to philosophical discussions about geography and nature, reflecting the importance of harmony in the environment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhōu') filled with animals from different continents. The character 洲 has the water radical 氵, hinting at its connection to islands and rivers surrounded by water, making it easier to remember.
Meanings of 洲
zhōu(zhou1)
1continent
2island
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 洲
洲Simplified
9Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#10427Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 洲
Podcast: 洲
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AI Study Notes for 洲
Quick Contrast
岛 (dǎo) refers specifically to an island, while 洲 (zhōu) can refer to a larger landmass or continent.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhōu') filled with animals from different continents. The character 洲 has the water radical 氵, hinting at its connection to islands and rivers surrounded by water, making it easier to remember.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 洲 with similar-sounding characters like 州 (zhōu, meaning 'state' or 'district'). This character is generally used in formal contexts related to geography. Be mindful of the tone; incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
While 洲 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it shares components with other HSK words related to geography. Focus on understanding the radicals and how they connect to other words, particularly those involving water (氵).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of continents and islands is often related to philosophical discussions about geography and nature, reflecting the importance of harmony in the environment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 洲 with 洲 (zhōu) and use it incorrectly in phrases like '美国洲' instead of '美国州' (Měiguó zhōu - state of America). Ensure to use 洲 only for continents or islands.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 洲
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Grammar Patterns of 洲
洲 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 3 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.
I solemnly vowed that someday I would return to live in Europe.
Cultural Notes for 洲
💡Did you know?
In Chinese, '洲' can refer to both continents and islands, showcasing the ancient Chinese understanding of geography. The term is essential in many geographical names in China, such as '亚洲' (Asia) and '非洲' (Africa).
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of continents and islands is often related to philosophical discussions about geography and nature, reflecting the importance of harmony in the environment.
Word Family of 洲
Words Containing This Character20
欧洲ōuzhōuEurope歐洲
非洲Africa
亚洲yàzhōuAsia亞洲
洲zhōucontinent
澳洲Australia
美洲the Americas
拉丁美洲Latin America
绿洲oasis綠洲
三角洲delta (geography)
亚洲杯Asian Cup亞洲杯
南美洲South America
洲际intercontinental洲際
满洲Manchuria滿洲
美洲狮cougar美洲獅
美洲虎jaguar
美洲豹panther
大洲continent
中美洲Central America
南极洲Antarctica南極洲
大洋洲Oceania
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 欧洲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 洲
洲 (zhōu) refers to a continent or a larger landmass, while 岛 (dǎo) specifically means 'island.' The distinction is important when discussing geography, as '洲' implies a larger expanse of land compared to '岛.'
Yes, 洲 is commonly used in modern Chinese geography to refer to continents like '亚洲' (Asia) or '非洲' (Africa). It's also found in discussions about ecology and landforms, making it relevant in both academic and casual contexts.
洲 (zhōu) primarily means 'continent' in Chinese. It can also refer to an 'island' specifically within a river. The character is often used in geographical contexts, such as naming continents or discussing landforms.
You can use 洲 in sentences like '亚洲是世界上最大的洲' (Asia is the largest continent in the world). It is also used in phrases like '长江中有许多小洲' (There are many small islands in the Yangtze River).
洲 refers to a continent or large island, while 岛 (dǎo) specifically means 'island'.
It is commonly used in expressions like '亚洲' (Yàzhōu - Asia) or '洲际' (zhōu jì - intercontinental).
Yes, for example, '五大洲' (Wǔ Dà Zhōu - the five continents).
