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March 24, 2026
紂zhòu(zhou4)
The character 紂 (zhòu) primarily refers to a type of saddle strap or harness used in ancient China, particularly in the context of horse riding. Additionally, it is historically associated with the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, known for his tyrannical rule, which provides a deeper cultural significance to the term.
Strokes9Radical糹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The character 紂 is closely tied to the historical figure of King Zhou of Shang, who is often cited as a symbol of despotic rule in Chinese literature and folklore, reflecting the moral lessons about governance and leadership.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse with a shiny saddle strap (the 'zhòu') that is so well-crafted that it glimmers in the sun. The saddle strap keeps the rider secure, just as the emperor's rule once kept the kingdom in line, albeit with a heavy hand.
Meanings of 紂
zhòu(zhou4)
1saddle strap, harness; an emperor
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 紂
紂Simplified
9Strokes
糹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 紂
Podcast: 紂
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AI Study Notes for 紂
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a horse with a shiny saddle strap (the 'zhòu') that is so well-crafted that it glimmers in the sun. The saddle strap keeps the rider secure, just as the emperor's rule once kept the kingdom in line, albeit with a heavy hand.
Usage Notes
While 紂 can refer to both a saddle strap and an emperor, it's important to use it in the appropriate historical or literary context. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words or characters; it is quite formal and rarely used in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As this character is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners should focus on its historical and literary uses. Understanding the context of ancient Chinese history can help in grasping its significance, especially when studying the Shang Dynasty.
Cultural Note
The character 紂 is closely tied to the historical figure of King Zhou of Shang, who is often cited as a symbol of despotic rule in Chinese literature and folklore, reflecting the moral lessons about governance and leadership.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 紂 with similar characters like 皱 (zhòu), which means 'wrinkle'. Remember that 紂 specifically relates to a saddle strap or a historical emperor, while 皱 has an entirely different meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 紂
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Cultural Notes for 紂
🏮Cultural insight
The character 紂 is closely tied to the historical figure of King Zhou of Shang, who is often cited as a symbol of despotic rule in Chinese literature and folklore, reflecting the moral lessons about governance and leadership.
Word Family of 紂
Words Containing This Character4
助纣为虐giving succor to the enemy助紂為虐
纣zhòusaddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back)紂
武王伐纣King Wu of Zhou 周武王[ZhōuWǔwáng] overthrows tyrant Zhou of Shang 商紂王|商纣王[ShāngZhòuwáng]武王伐紂
商纣王King Zhou of Shang (11th century BC), notorious as a cruel tyrant商紂王
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 助纣为虐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 紂
In modern usage, 紂 is not commonly used; it mainly refers to the historical figure or is found in literary contexts.
No, 紂 is quite rare in everyday language and is mostly encountered in historical texts or discussions.
