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March 24, 2026
蛀zhù(zhu4)
The character 蛀 (zhù) primarily refers to a type of pest, specifically a termite or bookworm, which is known for boring into wood or paper. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to bore' or 'to eat into,' often in the context of insects damaging materials.
Strokes11Radical虫Frequency#20536DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, pests like termites are often viewed with concern due to their potential to damage homes and important documents, reflecting a broader respect for property and preservation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny termite, with its large jaws, 'bore' into a wooden book, making it a 'bookworm.' The character 蛀 has the insect radical 虫, which visually represents bugs, while the phonetic part sounds like 'zhù,' reminiscent of the sound a woodpecker might make while searching for insects in wood.
Meanings of 蛀
zhù(zhu4)
1termite, bookworm; to bore, to eat into
2to bore (of insects)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蛀
蛀Simplified
11Strokes
虫Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛀
Podcast: 蛀
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AI Study Notes for 蛀
Quick Contrast
蛀 (zhù) vs 侵 (qīn) — use 蛀 specifically for pests boring into materials, while 侵 refers more broadly to invasion or encroachment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny termite, with its large jaws, 'bore' into a wooden book, making it a 'bookworm.' The character 蛀 has the insect radical 虫, which visually represents bugs, while the phonetic part sounds like 'zhù,' reminiscent of the sound a woodpecker might make while searching for insects in wood.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing pests. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words. Remember that this word is often used in a negative context, so be mindful of its implications.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蛀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected with other HSK words related to insects and damage, such as 虫 (chóng) for 'bug.' Focus on its usage in context to enhance your understanding of pest-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, pests like termites are often viewed with concern due to their potential to damage homes and important documents, reflecting a broader respect for property and preservation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛀 with other similar characters like 蛰 (zhé), which means to sting or to be stung. Remember that 蛀 specifically refers to boring or eating into, particularly by insects.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蛀
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Grammar Patterns of 蛀
蛀 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 5
Complete the Sentence
牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿____蚀和牙龈疾病。
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Example Sentences for 蛀 (4)
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1
牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿蛀蚀和牙龈疾病。
yá bān rú guǒ bù qīng chú jiù huì dǎo zhì yá chǐ zhù shí hé yá yín jí bìng。
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
zhù chóng jiāng wǒ de yáng máo shān zhù shí le jī gè xiǎo dòng.
The moths have eaten holes in my wool coat.
Cultural Notes for 蛀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, pests like termites are often viewed with concern due to their potential to damage homes and important documents, reflecting a broader respect for property and preservation.
Word Family of 蛀
Words Containing This Character4
蛀zhùtermite
蛀虫fig. vermin蛀蟲
蛀牙tooth decay
蛀蚀to corrupt蛀蝕
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蛀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛀
Some synonyms include 虫蛀 (chóng zhù), which emphasizes the action of pests boring into materials.
Yes, 蛀 can be used metaphorically to describe anything that gradually deteriorates or undermines something, similar to how termites affect wood.
It's not commonly used in everyday conversation but may come up in discussions about pests or damage.
