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March 24, 2026
皱(皺)zhòu(zhou4)
The character 皱 (zhòu) refers to the action of wrinkling or creasing, commonly used to describe fabric or skin. It can also represent the state of being wrinkled or folded. In everyday contexts, it is often used in discussions about clothing care or facial expressions.
Strokes10Radical皮Frequency#8496DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, neatness and presentation are highly valued, hence the significance of discussing wrinkles in clothing and appearance as part of social etiquette. The concept of being well-groomed often includes avoiding wrinkles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhòu') where all the animals are wrinkled. The character 皱 has a 'mouth' (口) at the bottom, symbolizing a face that may be wrinkled due to frowning or worry, emphasizing the connection to creases.
Meanings of 皱
zhòu(zhou4)
1to wrinkle
2wrinkled
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 皱
皱Simplified
皺Traditional
10Strokes
皮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8496Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 皱
Podcast: 皱
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AI Study Notes for 皱
Quick Contrast
皱 (zhòu) vs 褶 (zhě) — use 皱 for general wrinkling, while 褶 refers specifically to pleats or folds.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhòu') where all the animals are wrinkled. The character 皱 has a 'mouth' (口) at the bottom, symbolizing a face that may be wrinkled due to frowning or worry, emphasizing the connection to creases.
Usage Notes
It is important to remember that 皱 is often used in a descriptive sense, such as describing wrinkled clothes (皱衣服). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters. It is generally informal, so use it in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
皱 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels but is relevant for learners at HSK 3 and above due to its practical applications. Focus on using it in context with clothing and personal care vocabulary to strengthen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, neatness and presentation are highly valued, hence the significance of discussing wrinkles in clothing and appearance as part of social etiquette. The concept of being well-groomed often includes avoiding wrinkles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 皱 with 走 (zǒu, to walk) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 皱 specifically relates to wrinkles, while 走 is about movement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 皱
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Grammar Patterns of 皱
皱 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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
他的衣服____巴巴的，好像他是穿着衣服睡的。
His clothes were creased, as if he had slept in them.
Example Sentences for 皱 (10)
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1
他的衣服皱巴巴的，好像他是穿着衣服睡的。
tā de yī fú zhòu bā bā de， ， hǎo xiàng tā shì chuān zháo yī fú shuì。
His clothes were creased, as if he had slept in them.
2
艾伦的脸皱了起来，好像要打喷嚏。
ài lún de liǎn zhòu le qǐ lái， ， hǎo xiàng yào dǎ pēn。
Ellen's face wrinkles as if she is about to sneeze.
When Crevecoeur smiled, the creases in his face deepened.
4
他是个脸部轮廓分明、皱纹明显的矮个子男人。
tā shì gè liǎn bù lún kuò fēn míng、 、 zhòu wén míng xiǎn de ǎi gè zǐ nán。
He's a very small man with a lined, craggy face.
5
他们中一些人手持枪尖上挂着皱缩人头的长矛。
tā mén zhōng yī xiē rén shǒu chí qiāng jiān shàng guà zháo zhòu suō rén tóu de cháng máo。
Some of them carried pikes with shrivelled heads on top.
6
他的西服皱巴巴的，整个人显得非常疲惫。
tā de xī fú zhòu bā bā de， ， zhěng gè rén xiǎn dé fēi cháng pí。
His suit was wrinkled and he looked very tired.
7
他几乎能感觉到她在电话那端皱眉蹙额。
tā jī hū néng gǎn jué dào tā zài diàn huà nà duān zhòu méi cù é。
He almost felt her wincing at the other end of the telephone.
8
他那张疤脸高兴得皱了起来。
tā nà zhāng bā liǎn gāo xīng dé zhòu le qǐ lái。
His scarred face crumpled with pleasure.
9
她皱皱鼻子，为他毫无热情而感到不快。
tā zhòu zhòu bí zǐ， ， wéi tā háo wú rè qíng ér gǎn dào bù。
She wrinkled her nose, piqued by his total lack of enthusiasm.
10
他皱着眉，狐疑地看着她。
tā zhòu zháo méi， ， hú yí dì kàn zháo。
He was looking at her with his eyebrows raised questioningly.
Cultural Notes for 皱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, neatness and presentation are highly valued, hence the significance of discussing wrinkles in clothing and appearance as part of social etiquette. The concept of being well-groomed often includes avoiding wrinkles.
Word Family of 皱
Words Containing This Character9
皱zhòuto wrinkle皺
皱纹zhòuwénwrinkle皺紋
皱眉to frown皺眉
褶皱fold褶皺
皱眉头to scowl皺眉頭
皱巴巴wrinkled皺巴巴
皱褶creased皺褶
皱折crease皺折
皱摺crease皺摺
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 皱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 皱
You can say '这件衣服皱了' (Zhè jiàn yīfú zhòu le), meaning 'This piece of clothing is wrinkled.'
Yes, you can also use 皱纹 (zhòuwén) to mean 'wrinkles' specifically in skin.
Generally, it has a negative connotation as wrinkles often imply neglect or aging.
