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March 24, 2026
著zhe(zhe5)
The character 著 (zhe) primarily denotes the action of showing or proving something. It can also refer to written works or books, and is often used in contexts where something is made known or expressed clearly. Additionally, it carries the nuance of being outstanding or remarkable in certain contexts.
Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#4865DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 著 is commonly seen in the titles of books and works, signifying the importance of authorship and the act of making knowledge public. This reflects the value placed on scholarship and literature in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (represented by the radical '者') standing in front of a large book (the '著' character) holding it up to show it to others. This imagery connects the idea of 'showing' with the written word, reinforcing both the pronunciation 'zhe' and the meaning of making something known.
Meanings of 著
zhe(zhe5)
primary
1to show, to prove, to make known
2to write
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 著
著Simplified
11Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4865Frequency Rank
Podcast: 著
Podcast: 著
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AI Study Notes for 著
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person (represented by the radical '者') standing in front of a large book (the '著' character) holding it up to show it to others. This imagery connects the idea of 'showing' with the written word, reinforcing both the pronunciation 'zhe' and the meaning of making something known.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 著 with similar-sounding words or using it inappropriately in formal contexts. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, especially in literature and discussions about works or achievements. Pay attention to the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
While 著 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to writing and literature found in HSK 4 and 5. Students should focus on its usage in expressing actions and outcomes, as well as its connection to written texts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, 著 is commonly seen in the titles of books and works, signifying the importance of authorship and the act of making knowledge public. This reflects the value placed on scholarship and literature in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 著 with the character 知 (zhī), which means 'to know.' For example, saying '我著这个' (Wǒ zhù zhège) instead of '我知道这个' (Wǒ zhīdào zhège) to mean 'I know this' is incorrect.
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Pronunciation of 著
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Grammar Patterns of 著
著 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 4 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
索米尔周围的白垩质土壤出产____名的安茹葡萄酒。
The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.
Common Confusions with 著
著vs着
zhe
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to show, to prove, to make known"?
or
Example Sentences for 著 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
索米尔周围的白垩质土壤出产著名的安茹葡萄酒。
suǒ mǐ ěr zhōu wéi de bái è zhì tǔ rǎng chū chǎn zhù míng de ān rú pú táo jiǔ。
The chalky soil around Saumur produces the famous Anjou wines.
2
惠特比镇因为布拉姆·斯托克著名的吸血鬼故事而名传后世。
huì tè bǐ zhèn yīn wéi bù lā mǔ· · sī tuō kè zhù míng de xī xiě guǐ gù shì ér míng chuán hòu。
The town of whitby was immortalised in Bram Stoker's famous Dracula story.
3
她是伦敦著名的“薄荷犀牛”夜总会的钢管舞舞者。
tā shì lún dūn zhù míng de“ “ báo hé xī” niú ” yè zǒng huì de gāng guǎn wǔ。
She is a pole dancer at London's famous Spearmint Rhino club.
I have twenty novels and countless magazine stories to my credit.
7
两个酿酒地区之间有着显著的差别。
liǎng gè niàng jiǔ dì qū zhī jiān yǒu zháo xiǎn zhù de chà bié。
There are obvious distinctions between the two wine-making areas.
8
她戒了酒，但又开始执著于体重问题。
tā jiè le jiǔ， ， dàn yòu kāi shǐ zhí zhù yú tǐ zhòng wèn。
She stopped drinking but began obsessing about her weight.
9
伦道夫的著作专门论述污染对健康的影响。
lún dào fū de zhù zuò zhuān mén lùn shù wū rǎn duì jiàn kāng de yǐng xiǎng。
Randolph's work was exclusively concerned with the effects of pollution on health.
10
他们使用武力把土著居民驱逐出了比较肥沃的土地。
tā mén shǐ yòng wǔ lì bǎ tǔ zhù jū mín qū zhú chū le bǐ jiào féi wò de tǔ dì。
They used force to banish the natives from the more fertile land.
Cultural Notes for 著
💡Did you know?
'著' is often used in literary contexts, indicating something that has been written or published. In Chinese literature, the act of writing is highly revered, and many famous authors have contributed to the richness of Chinese literature.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, 著 is commonly seen in the titles of books and works, signifying the importance of authorship and the act of making knowledge public. This reflects the value placed on scholarship and literature in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 著
Compounds4
躇chu2to hesitate, to falter; undecided
墸
擆
鐯
Words Containing This Character20
著名zhùmíngfamous
著zhe[action in progress]
显著xiǎnzhùoutstanding顯著
著作zhùzuòto write
著称to be widely known as著稱
土著aboriginal
臭名昭著notorious
名著míngzhùmasterpiece
原著original work (not translation or abridged)
著作权copyright著作權
专著zhuānzhùmonograph專著
土著人aboriginal
卓著outstanding
论著treatise論著
巨著monumental (literary) work
编著to compile編著
著述writing
合著to write jointly
著书to write a book著書
著录to record著錄
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 躇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 著
著 (zhe) and 了 (le) are both aspect markers in Chinese, but they serve different functions. 著 indicates an ongoing state or the result of an action, while 了 typically indicates a completed action. Understanding when to use each can help clarify the timing of actions in sentences.
In Chinese literature, 著 (zhù) often appears in the context of writing or authorship, as it means 'to write' or 'to publish'. It is commonly seen in the titles of books or when discussing famous authors, as in '著作' (zhùzuò), meaning 'works' or 'literary works'.
著 (zhe, zhù) can mean 'to make known', 'to show', or 'to prove'. It is also used to refer to a 'book' or something that is 'outstanding'. The context in which it is used can change its meaning greatly.
著 (zhe) is often used as a verbal particle to indicate the result or state of an action, similar to the English 'ing' form. For example, in the sentence '我正在看书著' (I am reading a book), it shows the ongoing nature of the action. It can also be used in phrases like '著名' (zhùmíng), meaning 'famous'.
You can use 著 to indicate that something is being shown or proven, such as in the sentence '这本书著名' (This book is famous).
Yes, 著 is often used in formal writing, especially in academic or literary contexts.
Yes, 著 can be synonymous with other terms for writing or proving, but its specific nuance is important to maintain.
