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纣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
纣zhòusaddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back)unknown, 6 strokes, radical 纟
纣zhòusaddle strap, harness; an emperornrt, 6 strokes, radical 纟
zhòu(zhou4) T4
  1. 1saddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back)
  2. 2saddle strap, harness; an emperor
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

纣(紂)zhòu(zhou4)

The character 纣 (zhòu) primarily refers to a type of saddle strap or harness used in equestrian contexts. It is also associated with the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, known for his tyranny. The usage of this character often appears in historical texts or discussions about ancient Chinese governance and culture.

Strokes6Radical纟
Cultural Note

The character 纣 is closely tied to the figure of King Zhou of Shang, who is often depicted in Chinese folklore as a symbol of tyranny and moral decay, representing the consequences of despotic rule in Chinese history.

Memory Tip

Imagine a horse with an elaborate saddle equipped with a beautiful strap (纣) that glistens under the sun, reminding you of the last emperor's opulent reign. The character's components suggest the binding nature of the strap, linking it to both horses and authority.

Meanings of 纣

zhòu(zhou4)
1saddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back)
2saddle strap, harness; an emperor
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 纣

纣Simplified
紂Traditional
6Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 纣

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Podcast: 纣

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AI Study Notes for 纣

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 纣 (zhòu) with similar-sounding characters, as the tone is crucial in Chinese. It is typically used in formal or historical contexts, especially when discussing Chinese emperors or ancient history. Common collocations might include phrases related to ancient dynasties or horse riding.

HSK Study Tips

Although 纣 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other historical terms and characters at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing its historical significance and how it fits within the narrative of Chinese dynasties.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 纣 as 'zhou' instead of 'zhòu', losing the correct tone. Additionally, some may confuse it with 走 (zǒu, to walk), which has entirely different meanings and usages.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 纣

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Etymology of 纣

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

thread

Semantic (meaning)纟
+
Phonetic (sound)寸
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 纣

  1. 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half寸 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaythread
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 纣? 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 纣?

Decomposition of 纣

IDS Structure⿰纟寸
纣Full Character
=
纟si1
left
寸cun4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 纣?

How to say saddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back) in Chinese

“saddle crupper (harness strap on horse's back)” in Chinese is纣zhòu

The character 纣 (zhòu) primarily refers to a type of saddle strap or harness used in equestrian contexts. It is also associated with the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, known for his tyranny. The usage of this character often appears in historical texts or discussions about ancient Chinese governance and culture.

When to use 纣

Be careful not to confuse 纣 (zhòu) with similar-sounding characters, as the tone is crucial in Chinese. It is typically used in formal or historical contexts, especially when discussing Chinese emperors or ancient history. Common collocations might include phrases related to ancient dynasties or horse riding.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 纣 as 'zhou' instead of 'zhòu', losing the correct tone. Additionally, some may confuse it with 走 (zǒu, to walk), which has entirely different meanings and usages.

Write 纣

纣

Practice writing 纣 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 纣

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[Zhōu​Wǔ​wáng] overthrows tyrant Zhou of Shang 商紂王|商纣王[Shāng​Zhòu​wáng]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 纣

In modern usage, 纣 is primarily recognized in historical contexts, often referring to the tyrannical king of the Shang Dynasty.

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