Meanings of 竹
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About 竹
Podcast: 竹
Podcast: 竹
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AI Study Notes for 竹
Imagine a tall, elegant bamboo stalk swaying in the wind. The character 竹 resembles the vertical lines of bamboo, and its pronunciation 'zhú' can be remembered by picturing a 'zoo' filled with bamboo-loving pandas.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 竹; it is often used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 竹子 (bamboo), 竹筒 (bamboo tube), and 竹笛 (bamboo flute). Avoid confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words to prevent misunderstandings.
While 竹 is not explicitly in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 2 words related to nature and materials. Focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases, especially when discussing traditional crafts or music.
In Chinese culture, bamboo is not only a building material but also a symbol of integrity and purity. It is often featured in poetry and art, illustrating the ideal of a noble character.
Learners often confuse 竹 (bamboo) with similar characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 草 (cǎo, grass). For example, saying '我喜欢树' (I like trees) when referring to bamboo is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢竹.'
Pronunciation of 竹
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Etymology of 竹
Pictograph of bamboo stalks.
Two stalks of bamboo
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 竹?
Write 竹
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Practice writing 竹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 竹
竹 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.
Complete the Sentence
____笋是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Example Sentences for 竹 (10)
Cultural Notes for 竹
In Chinese culture, bamboo is not only a building material but also a symbol of integrity and purity. It is often featured in poetry and art, illustrating the ideal of a noble character.
Word Family of 竹
Compound Meaning
What does 等 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 竹
竹 specifically refers to bamboo, while 草 means 'grass.' They belong to different plant categories, with bamboo being a woody plant.