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March 24, 2026
綬shòu(shou4)
The character 綬 (shòu) refers to a silk ribbon traditionally used to signify authority or as a seal in official documents. It is often associated with ceremonial contexts, such as awards, where a ribbon indicates the importance or value of the item it adorns.
Strokes14Radical糹Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silk ribbons are often used in traditional ceremonies, such as weddings or award ceremonies, symbolizing respect and recognition. The use of silk signifies luxury and high status.
Memory Tip
Imagine a majestic ribbon flowing gracefully in the wind, representing honor and authority. The character 綬 features the radical 糸 (mì), which relates to silk, combined with the phonetic component 受 (shòu), suggesting that this ribbon is 'received' as a mark of distinction.
Meanings of 綬
shòu(shou4)
1a silk ribbon used as a seal
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About 綬
綬Simplified
14Strokes
糹Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 綬
Podcast: 綬
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AI Study Notes for 綬
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a majestic ribbon flowing gracefully in the wind, representing honor and authority. The character 綬 features the radical 糸 (mì), which relates to silk, combined with the phonetic component 受 (shòu), suggesting that this ribbon is 'received' as a mark of distinction.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts, so it might not appear in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and remember that the tone is crucial; it should be pronounced with a falling tone (shòu). Common collocations include phrases related to awards or honors.
HSK Study Tips
Although 綬 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other HSK words related to ceremonies and awards. Focus on its usage in literary or formal contexts to enhance your vocabulary for special occasions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, silk ribbons are often used in traditional ceremonies, such as weddings or award ceremonies, symbolizing respect and recognition. The use of silk signifies luxury and high status.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 綬 with 受 (shòu), which means 'to receive.' Remember that 綬 specifically refers to a ribbon. A common mistake would be using 綬 to describe receiving an award instead of its ceremonial significance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 綬
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Cultural Notes for 綬
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, silk ribbons are often used in traditional ceremonies, such as weddings or award ceremonies, symbolizing respect and recognition. The use of silk signifies luxury and high status.
Word Family of 綬
Words Containing This Character4
绶带ribbon (as a decoration)綬帶
绶shòucord on a seal綬
印绶sealed ribbon fastening correspondence (in former times)印綬
吐绶鸡turkey吐綬雞
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 绶带 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 綬
In modern contexts, 綬 is used mainly in formal settings, such as award ceremonies, where it represents honor.
It is pronounced as shòu, with a falling tone.
While not common, you might encounter phrases in historical texts or formal documents that reference awards or honors associated with ribbons.
