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March 24, 2026
蛰(蟄)zhé(zhe2)
The verb 蛰 (zhé) means 'to hibernate' or 'to enter a dormant state.' It is often used in the context of animals or plants that temporarily cease their activity to conserve energy during unfavorable conditions, such as winter. This term can also metaphorically describe a person who is inactive or withdrawn for a period.
Strokes12Radical虫Frequency#22096DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of hibernation is often related to traditional beliefs about the seasons and nature's cycles, emphasizing harmony with the environment. For example, animals like bears and snakes are recognized for their hibernation habits, which are often depicted in literature and folklore.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sleepy bear (the radical '虫' suggests insects or creatures) hibernating in its cozy cave during winter. The sound 'zhé' can remind you of 'doze' as the bear snoozes away until spring, making it easy to connect the character to its meaning.
Meanings of 蛰
zhé(zhe2)
1to hibernate
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蛰
蛰Simplified
蟄Traditional
12Strokes
虫Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蛰
Podcast: 蛰
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AI Study Notes for 蛰
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sleepy bear (the radical '虫' suggests insects or creatures) hibernating in its cozy cave during winter. The sound 'zhé' can remind you of 'doze' as the bear snoozes away until spring, making it easy to connect the character to its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 蛰, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs that imply inactivity in a different context. It is generally formal and may not be widely used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 蛰伏 (zhé fú, to hibernate) or 蛰眠 (zhé mián, to sleep in a dormant state).
HSK Study Tips
Although 蛰 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other nature-related verbs at the advanced level. Focus on the context of dormancy and how it relates to seasonal changes in Chinese culture.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of hibernation is often related to traditional beliefs about the seasons and nature's cycles, emphasizing harmony with the environment. For example, animals like bears and snakes are recognized for their hibernation habits, which are often depicted in literature and folklore.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蛰 with 冬眠 (dōngmián), which specifically means 'to hibernate' as a winter phenomenon. For example, saying '动物在冬眠' is correct, but using 蛰 in informal speech can sound overly formal.
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Pronunciation of 蛰
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Cultural Notes for 蛰
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of hibernation is often related to traditional beliefs about the seasons and nature's cycles, emphasizing harmony with the environment. For example, animals like bears and snakes are recognized for their hibernation habits, which are often depicted in literature and folklore.
Word Family of 蛰
Words Containing This Character7
蛰zhéto hibernate蟄
蛰伏hibernation蟄伏
惊蛰Jingzhe or Insects Wake, 3rd of the 24 solar terms 二十四節氣|二十四节气 6th-20th March驚蟄
蛰居to live in seclusion蟄居
蛰虫dormant insect蟄蟲
蛰藏to hibernate蟄藏
冬蛰hibernation冬蟄
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蛰 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛰
You can say '动物在冬天会选择蛰伏' (Animals choose to hibernate in winter).
It is mostly used in written contexts, especially in literature or formal discussions about nature.
Yes, but it is more metaphorical when referring to people being inactive or withdrawn.
