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淄 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
淄zīa river in Shandong provincens, 11 strokes, radical 氵
淄zīblackunknown, 11 strokes, radical 氵
淄zīname of a riverunknown, 11 strokes, radical 氵
zī(zi1)zi T1
  1. 1a river in Shandong province
  2. 2black
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March 24, 2026

淄zī(zi1)

The character 淄 (zī) primarily refers to a river located in Shandong province, China. Additionally, it can denote the color black in certain contexts. This character is often used when discussing geographical locations or historical references related to the river.

Strokes11Radical氵
Cultural note

The 淄 river has historical significance in China, particularly during the Spring and Autumn period, where it played a role in various historical events and local culture in Shandong province. It is also associated with local legends and traditional stories.

Memory tip

Imagine a flowing river (the water radical 氵) where the water is so dark it's almost black (the character's meaning). You can picture a 'Zebra' (the sound 'zī') drinking from this black water, helping you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.

Meanings of 淄

zī(zi1)
1a river in Shandong province
2black
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 淄 means.

About 淄

淄Simplified
11Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 淄

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Podcast: 淄

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AI Study Notes for 淄

Usage Notes

淄 is more commonly used in specific geographical contexts or names rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters that refer to other colors or locations. It’s also important to use the correct tone (first tone) to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 淄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding it can enhance your knowledge of place names and geography in Chinese. Students should focus on recognizing the water radical and practicing pronunciation to develop their vocabulary around geographical terms.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 淄 with similar characters like 黒 (hēi), which also relates to black but is not a river name. Remember to use 淄 specifically for the river or historical context, and ensure correct pronunciation to maintain clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 淄

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Jason Explains 淄 to You

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Etymology of 淄

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

water

Semantic (meaning)氵
+
Phonetic (sound)甾
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

淄 = 氵 + 甾. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 淄

IDS Structure⿰氵甾
淄Full character
=
氵shui3
left
甾zai1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 淄?

How to say a river in Shandong province in Chinese

“a river in Shandong province” in Chinese is淄zī

The character 淄 (zī) primarily refers to a river located in Shandong province, China. Additionally, it can denote the color black in certain contexts. This character is often used when discussing geographical locations or historical references related to the river.

When to use 淄

淄 is more commonly used in specific geographical contexts or names rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters that refer to other colors or locations. It’s also important to use the correct tone (first tone) to avoid misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 淄 with similar characters like 黒 (hēi), which also relates to black but is not a river name. Remember to use 淄 specifically for the river or historical context, and ensure correct pronunciation to maintain clarity.

Write 淄

淄

Practice writing 淄 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 淄

淄 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

____川寨里帅达木器厂是烟台禹河钟表厂定点生产单位.

Zichuan Zhaili Shuai Woodplant in Yantai Yu sentinel watches plant production units.

Example Sentences for 淄 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
淄川寨里帅达木器厂是烟台禹河钟表厂定点生产单位.

zī Chuān zhài lǐ shuài dá mù qì chǎng shì yān tái yǔ hé zhōng biǎo chǎng dìng diǎn shēngchǎn dānwèi.

Zichuan Zhaili Shuai Woodplant in Yantai Yu sentinel watches plant production units.

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Word Family of 淄

Words containing this character7
淄博Zibo, prefecture level city in Shandong
淄博市Zibo prefecture level city in Shandong
临淄Linzi district of Zibo city 淄博市[Zī​bó​shì], Shandong臨淄
淄zīblack
淄川Zichuan district of Zibo city 淄博市[Zī​bó​shì], Shandong
淄川区Zichuan district of Zibo city 淄博市[Zī​bó​shì], Shandong淄川區
临淄区Linzi district of Zibo city 淄博市[Zī​bó​shì], Shandong臨淄區
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 淄

What does 淄博 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 淄

淄 refers to a river in Shandong province and can also indicate the color black.

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