unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
framework for silkworms
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
gather foliage
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
classifier for bunched objects
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
cù(cu4) T4
1bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm
2crowded
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March 24, 2026
簇cù(cu4)
The character 簇 (cù) refers to a bunch or cluster of items that are closely grouped together. It is commonly used to describe crowds or swarms, as well as in contexts where objects are bunched, like flowers or fruit. The character can also be used in technical contexts, such as frameworks for silkworm cultivation.
Strokes17Radical⺮Frequency#25000DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of gathering in clusters can be seen in the significance of family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival, where families come together in large numbers, reminiscent of a '簇' of family members.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'cluster' of fluffy clouds (the radical '禾' suggests plants, while '木' can remind you of trees). Visualize these clouds gathering together in a 'bunch' to form a beautiful sky. The pronunciation 'cù' sounds like 'coo,' as in the sound that doves make when they gather in clusters.
Meanings of 簇
cù(cu4)
1bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm
2crowded
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 簇
簇Simplified
17Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 簇
Podcast: 簇
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AI Study Notes for 簇
Quick Contrast
束 (shù) - use 簇 (cù) for clusters or groups that are closely packed together, while 束 (shù) typically refers to a bundle or tied collection.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'cù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in written Chinese. Common collocations include 簇拥 (cùyōng), meaning to crowd around.
HSK Study Tips
Though not included in HSK levels, 簇 can be connected to vocabulary involving grouping or gathering, such as 群 (qún), meaning 'group.' Focus on using it in phrases that describe collections or gatherings to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 簇 with similar-sounding characters like 促 (cù), which means 'to urge' or 'to hasten.' Ensure you practice the tones to avoid confusion. For example, saying '我想要一个簇' (I want a cluster) instead of the correct '我想要一簇' (I want a bunch).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 簇
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Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and 族 represents the sound.
1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
2The sound half族 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaybamboo
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 簇? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 簇?
Decomposition of 簇
IDS Structure⿱⺮族
簇Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
族zu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 簇?
How to say bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm in Chinese
“bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm” in Chinese is簇cù
The character 簇 (cù) refers to a bunch or cluster of items that are closely grouped together. It is commonly used to describe crowds or swarms, as well as in contexts where objects are bunched, like flowers or fruit. The character can also be used in technical contexts, such as frameworks for silkworm cultivation.
When to use 簇
Be cautious with the tone; 'cù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in written Chinese. Common collocations include 簇拥 (cùyōng), meaning to crowd around.
簇 or something close to it
束 (shù) - use 簇 (cù) for clusters or groups that are closely packed together, while 束 (shù) typically refers to a bundle or tied collection.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 簇 with similar-sounding characters like 促 (cù), which means 'to urge' or 'to hasten.' Ensure you practice the tones to avoid confusion. For example, saying '我想要一个簇' (I want a cluster) instead of the correct '我想要一簇' (I want a bunch).
Write 簇
簇
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Practice writing 簇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 簇
簇 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
插图上是一____杏橙色的玫瑰，一共5朵。
The illustration shows a cluster of five roses coloured apricot orange.
Example Sentences for 簇 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
插图上是一簇杏橙色的玫瑰，一共5朵。
chā tú shàng shì yī cù xìng chéng sè de méi guī， ， yī5 gòng。
The illustration shows a cluster of five roses coloured apricot orange.
2
他所到之处都有成群的歌迷簇拥着他。
tā suǒ dào zhī chǔ dū yǒu chéng qún de gē mí cù yōng zháo tā。
Every-where he went he was mobbed by a crush of fans.
3
腋牙发育成每簇含2--35朵花的花簇.
yè yá fā yù chéng měi cù hán2--35 2--35 duǒ huā de huā.
Axillary buds develop into flower cluster of 2 to 35 flowers each.
4
他在警察的簇拥下, 被人半拖半抬着走向等候着的汽车.
tā zài jǐng chá de cù yōng xià, , bèi rén bàn tuō bàn tái zháo zǒu xiàng děng hòu zháo de qì.
Surrounded by policemen, he was half - dragged and half - lifted toward the waiting car.
