HSK 6, ns, 6 strokes, radical 舟, rank #17445, Hard
舟
zhōu
boat, ship
HSK 6, ns, 6 strokes, radical 舟, rank #17445, Hard
zhōu(zhou1) T1
1boat
2boat, ship
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March 24, 2026
舟zhōu(zhou1)
The character 舟 (zhōu) refers to a boat or ship, often emphasizing smaller vessels used for transportation on water. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in expressions related to travel or adventure.
Strokes6Radical舟Frequency#17445DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, boats were essential for trade and transportation along the many rivers and canals, which were vital to the economy. The character 舟 reflects this deep-rooted cultural significance of waterborne travel.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small boat (舟) floating on water. The character resembles a boat with its two 'sails' on either side. To remember its pronunciation, think of a 'zoo' of boats, where 'zhōu' sounds like 'zoo' with a boat theme.
Meanings of 舟
zhōu(zhou1)
1boat
2boat, ship
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 舟
舟Simplified
6Strokes
舟Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#17445Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 舟
Podcast: 舟
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AI Study Notes for 舟
Quick Contrast
船 (chuán) - use 舟 for smaller vessels or in literary contexts, while 船 is more general and commonly used for various types of boats.
Usage Notes
舟 is often used in more literary or formal contexts compared to other words for 'boat' like 船 (chuán). Be careful not to confuse it with 船, which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. It's also important to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 舟 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to travel and transportation. Learners should focus on using it in phrases or idioms to solidify their understanding of its context and nuance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 舟 with 船, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying 舟 when wanting to refer to a large ship is incorrect; use 船 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舟
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2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 舟? 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 舟?
How to say boat in Chinese
“boat” in Chinese is舟zhōu
The character 舟 (zhōu) refers to a boat or ship, often emphasizing smaller vessels used for transportation on water. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in expressions related to travel or adventure.
When to use 舟
舟 is often used in more literary or formal contexts compared to other words for 'boat' like 船 (chuán). Be careful not to confuse it with 船, which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. It's also important to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
舟 or something close to it
船 (chuán) - use 舟 for smaller vessels or in literary contexts, while 船 is more general and commonly used for various types of boats.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 舟 with 船, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying 舟 when wanting to refer to a large ship is incorrect; use 船 instead.
Write 舟
舟
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Practice writing 舟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 舟
舟 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
我们试图让独木____靠他更近一些。
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
Example Sentences for 舟 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们试图让独木舟靠他更近一些。
wǒ mén shì tú ràng dú mù zhōu kào tā gēng jìn yī xiē。
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
2
让我们提取一下独木舟上的指纹，看看能不能有什么发现。
ràng wǒ mén tí qǔ yī xià dú mù zhōu shàng de zhǐ wén， ， kàn kàn néng bù néng yǒu shí mó fā。
Let's fingerprint the canoe, see if we come up with anything.
