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March 24, 2026
肘zhǒu(zhou3)
The character 肘 (zhǒu) primarily means 'elbow,' referring to the joint that connects the upper arm and forearm. It can also denote 'shoulder' in certain contexts, and is used in phrases related to assisting someone with a load, often symbolizing support or help. Additionally, it refers to 'pork shoulder' in culinary terms.
Strokes7Radical⺼Frequency#16879DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the elbow (肘) is considered significant for various health practices, including acupuncture, where specific points on the elbow are believed to influence overall health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong arm with a pronounced elbow (肘) that helps lift a heavy load. The character has the radical 肉 (meat), suggesting that it relates to the body, while the pronunciation 'zhǒu' sounds like 'show,' as in showing off your strong elbow!
Meanings of 肘
zhǒu(zhou3)
1elbow, shoulder; to help someone carry a load
2pork shoulder
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 肘
肘Simplified
7Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 肘
Podcast: 肘
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AI Study Notes for 肘
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong arm with a pronounced elbow (肘) that helps lift a heavy load. The character has the radical 肉 (meat), suggesting that it relates to the body, while the pronunciation 'zhǒu' sounds like 'show,' as in showing off your strong elbow!
Usage Notes
This character is generally used in informal contexts when referring to body parts. A common mistake is confusing 肘 (zhǒu) with other similar-sounding words; ensure to use the correct tone (third tone) and context. It often appears in phrases like '肘部' (elbow part) or '肘子' (pork shoulder).
HSK Study Tips
Although 肘 (zhǒu) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be learned alongside body part terms at the beginner level. Focus on pronunciation and common collocations to increase familiarity with similar words.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the elbow (肘) is considered significant for various health practices, including acupuncture, where specific points on the elbow are believed to influence overall health.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肘 (zhǒu) with the similar-sounding 走 (zǒu, to walk). Remember that 肘 refers to the elbow, while 走 indicates movement. It's also common to mispronounce the tone, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肘
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Grammar Patterns of 肘
肘 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
坐立时，把胳膊____靠在扶手上。
When you are sitting, keep your elbow on the arm rest.
Example Sentences for 肘 (10)
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1
坐立时，把胳膊肘靠在扶手上。
zuò lì shí， ， bǎ gē bó zhǒu kào zài fú shǒu。
When you are sitting, keep your elbow on the arm rest.
Two men looked at me, nudged each other and smirked.
6
我炖了些豆子，和羊肘子一块吃。
wǒ dùn le xiē dòu zǐ， ， hé yáng zhǒu zǐ yī kuài。
I braised some beans to accompany a shoulder of lamb.
7
我把他的饮料放在他肘边的小桌子上。
wǒ bǎ tā de yǐn liào fàng zài tā zhǒu biān de xiǎo zhuō zǐ shàng。
I placed his drink on the small table at his elbow.
8
比利·尤因拉着他的胳膊肘把他带到了一边。
bǐ lì· · yóu yīn lā zháo tā de gē bó zhǒu bǎ tā dài dào le yī。
Billy Ewing grabbed him by the elbow and took him aside.
9
得到的礼物越多，她的胃口就越大，直到他捉襟见肘为止。
dé dào de lǐ wù yuè duō， ， tā de wèi kǒu jiù yuè， dà ， zhí dào tā zhuō jīn jiàn zhǒu。
The more gifts she received, the more she craved, until he was living beyond his means.
10
他的双肘撑在满是油污的柜台上。
tā de shuāng zhǒu chēng zài mǎn shì yóu wū de guì tái shàng。
He propped his elbows upon a greasy counter.
Cultural Notes for 肘
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the elbow (肘) is considered significant for various health practices, including acupuncture, where specific points on the elbow are believed to influence overall health.
Word Family of 肘
Words Containing This Character8
肘zhǒuelbow
手肘elbow
捉襟见肘strapped for cash捉襟見肘
胳膊肘elbow
掣肘to impede
肘腋lit. armpit
变生肘腋trouble or danger in one's own backyard變生肘腋
胳膊肘朝外拐the elbow turns the wrong way
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 肘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 肘
肘 (zhǒu) refers specifically to the elbow, while 肩 (jiān) means shoulder.
Yes, it can symbolize helping others, as in carrying a burden, reflecting support.
Think of 'zhǒu' sounding like 'show,' as in showing your elbow.
