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籀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
籀zhòuto read, to recite; a style of calligraphyg, 19 strokes, radical ⺮
籀zhòuto developunknown, 19 strokes, radical ⺮
籀zhòuseal script used throughout the pre-Han periodunknown, 19 strokes, radical ⺮
籀zhòusurname Zhouunknown, 19 strokes, radical ⺮
zhòu(Zhou4) T4
  1. 1to read, to recite; a style of calligraphy
  2. 2to develop
Also a Chinese surname, Zhou — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

籀zhòu(Zhou4)

The character 籀 (zhòu) primarily refers to the act of reading or reciting, often in the context of traditional Chinese literature or poetry. It is also associated with a specific style of calligraphy and can denote the surname Zhou. Additionally, 籀 has historical significance as it relates to the seal script widely used in the pre-Han period, emphasizing its importance in the evolution of Chinese writing.

Strokes19Radical⺮
Cultural Note

The character 籀 is closely tied to the cultural practice of calligraphy in China, which is regarded as a high art form. This reflects the historical value placed on literature and scholarly pursuits in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise scholar reciting ancient texts while surrounded by bamboo (the radical '竹' suggests growth and wisdom). The sound 'zhòu' can remind you of 'show,' as in showing your knowledge through reading and recitation.

Meanings of 籀

zhòu(Zhou4)
1to read, to recite; a style of calligraphy
2to develop
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 籀

籀Simplified
19Strokes
⺮Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 籀

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Podcast: 籀

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AI Study Notes for 籀

Usage Notes

When using 籀, it's important to note that it is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary or historical contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters that may have different meanings. The tone 'zhòu' is crucial, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

Although 籀 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can deepen your appreciation for classical literature, which is often addressed in higher-level HSK studies. Focus on how 籀 connects to other characters related to reading and writing, enhancing your comprehension of classical texts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 籀 with other similar characters due to its specific context. For instance, saying '我爱籀' (I love zhòu) when they mean to express a general love for reading is incorrect; instead, they should specify what they love to read.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 籀

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Etymology of 籀

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A hand 扌 writing 留 with a bamboo ⺮ brush

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 籀

  1. 1The giveawayA hand 扌 writing 留 with a bamboo ⺮ brush
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 籀? 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 籀?

Decomposition of 籀

IDS Structure⿱⺮⿰扌留
籀Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
扌shou3
left
留liu2
right
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 籀?

How to say to read, to recite; a style of calligraphy in Chinese

“to read, to recite; a style of calligraphy” in Chinese is籀zhòu

The character 籀 (zhòu) primarily refers to the act of reading or reciting, often in the context of traditional Chinese literature or poetry. It is also associated with a specific style of calligraphy and can denote the surname Zhou. Additionally, 籀 has historical significance as it relates to the seal script widely used in the pre-Han period, emphasizing its importance in the evolution of Chinese writing.

When to use 籀

When using 籀, it's important to note that it is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary or historical contexts. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters that may have different meanings. The tone 'zhòu' is crucial, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 籀 with other similar characters due to its specific context. For instance, saying '我爱籀' (I love zhòu) when they mean to express a general love for reading is incorrect; instead, they should specify what they love to read.

Write 籀

籀

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 籀

Words Containing This Character2
籀zhòu(writing)
籀文seal script used throughout the pre-Han period
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 籀 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 籀

籀 is mostly used in historical and literary contexts, rather than in daily conversation.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 籀?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.