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March 24, 2026
邹(鄒)zōu(Zou1)
The character 邹 (zōu) refers to an ancient state in Chinese history, known as a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty, located in what is now southeastern Shandong Province. It can also be used as a surname. This character is often encountered in historical texts and discussions about the Zhou Dynasty and its feudal system.
Strokes7Radical阝Frequency#62578DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
The state of 邹 is significant in Chinese history and philosophy, especially related to Confucianism, as it is often mentioned in classical literature. The character reflects the rich tapestry of Chinese dynastic history and the importance of regional states.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'zoo' (pronounced like 'zōu') where ancient animals from the state of 邹 roam freely. The left part of the character resembles a 'mouth' (口), suggesting the state’s significance in terms of communication and governance in ancient times.
Meanings of 邹
zōu(Zou1)
1an ancient state; surname
2vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in the southeast of Shandong Province
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By ear
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About 邹
邹Simplified
鄒Traditional
7Strokes
阝Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 邹
Podcast: 邹
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AI Study Notes for 邹
Usage Notes
While using 邹 as a surname, it is common to pair it with a given name for full identification. Be cautious of the tone; the first tone (zōu) should be pronounced clearly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Incorrectly using it in informal contexts may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 邹 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to historical terms and concepts relevant to Level 3 and above. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and pronunciation to enhance their comprehension of ancient texts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 邹 (zōu) with similar characters like '走' (zǒu), which means 'to walk.' Always remember that 邹 refers specifically to the ancient state or surname, while 走 is about movement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 邹
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邹 = 阝 + 刍. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 邹
IDS Structure⿰刍阝
邹Full character
=
刍chu2
left
阝yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 邹?
How to say surname Zou in Chinese
“surname Zou” in Chinese is邹zōu
The character 邹 (zōu) refers to an ancient state in Chinese history, known as a vassal state during the Zhou Dynasty, located in what is now southeastern Shandong Province. It can also be used as a surname. This character is often encountered in historical texts and discussions about the Zhou Dynasty and its feudal system.
When to use 邹
While using 邹 as a surname, it is common to pair it with a given name for full identification. Be cautious of the tone; the first tone (zōu) should be pronounced clearly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. Incorrectly using it in informal contexts may lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 邹 (zōu) with similar characters like '走' (zǒu), which means 'to walk.' Always remember that 邹 refers specifically to the ancient state or surname, while 走 is about movement.
Write 邹
邹
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Word Family of 邹
Words containing this character9
邹zōusurname Zou鄒
邹平Zouping county in Binzhou 濱州|滨州[Bīnzhōu], Shandong鄒平
邹韬奋Zou Taofen (1895-1944), journalist, political theorist and publisher鄒韜奮
邹城Zoucheng county level city in Jining 濟寧|济宁[Jǐníng], Shandong鄒城
邹城市Zoucheng county level city in Jining 濟寧|济宁[Jǐníng], Shandong鄒城市
邹容Zou Rong (1885-1905), a martyr of the anti-Qing revolution, died in jail in 1905鄒容
邹平县Zouping county in Binzhou 濱州|滨州[Bīnzhōu], Shandong鄒平縣
邹衍Zou Yan (305-240 BC), founder of the School of Yin-Yang of the Warring States Period (475-221 BC)鄒衍
邹县Zou county in Shandong鄒縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 邹
What does 邹平 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 邹
In modern usage, 邹 primarily functions as a surname, but it can also refer to historical contexts or discussions about the Zhou Dynasty.
It is pronounced as 'zōu' with a high-level tone, similar to how you would say 'zoo'.
There are not many common phrases that include 邹, but it may appear in historical texts or discussions about the Zhou Dynasty.
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