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酋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
酋qiúchief of tribe, chieftainn, 9 strokes, radical 酉, rank #37589, Very Hard
酋qiútribal chiefunknown, 9 strokes, radical 酉, rank #37589, Very Hard
qiú(qiu2)qiu T2
  1. 1chief of tribe, chieftain
  2. 2tribal chief
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March 24, 2026

酋qiú(qiu2)

The character 酋 (qiú) refers to a chief or leader of a tribe, often implying authority and responsibility within a specific ethnic or cultural group. It is commonly used in discussions about indigenous communities and their leadership structures, highlighting the role of a chieftain in traditional societies.

Strokes9Radical酉Frequency#37589DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In many indigenous cultures within China, the role of the 酋 is significant as they often serve as mediators between their communities and external authorities. This character reflects the historical importance of tribal leadership in maintaining cultural identity and social order.

Memory tip

Imagine a chieftain holding a ceremonial cup (酉) filled with a special drink, representing his authority. The '酋' visually resembles someone wearing a headdress, signifying their leadership role within a tribe, while the 'qiú' sound can be remembered by picturing the chieftain calling out to his people.

Meanings of 酋

qiú(qiu2)
1chief of tribe, chieftain
2tribal chief
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 酋

酋Simplified
9Strokes
酉Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 酋

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AI Study Notes for 酋

Usage Notes

酋 is primarily used in formal contexts or discussions about ethnography and cultural studies. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in casual conversation, where more general terms like '领导' (lǐngdǎo) might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; 'qiú' is pronounced with a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 酋 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be linked to other HSK words related to leadership and authority, such as 领导 (lǐngdǎo), which means leader. Focus on recognizing the character's components and practicing its pronunciation to better integrate it into your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 酋 with similar characters like '头' (tóu), which means 'head' or 'leader' in a more general sense. Remember that 酋 specifically refers to tribal chiefs, while '头' can be used more broadly.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 酋

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Etymology of 酋

Formation typePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

Depicts a container of aged wine. Meaning later shifted to "elder" and "chief".

Memory hint

A feathered crown

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 酋?

Decomposition of 酋

IDS Structure⿱丷酉
酋Full character
=
丷ha5
top
酉you3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 酋?

How to say chief of tribe, chieftain in Chinese

“chief of tribe, chieftain” in Chinese is酋qiú

The character 酋 (qiú) refers to a chief or leader of a tribe, often implying authority and responsibility within a specific ethnic or cultural group. It is commonly used in discussions about indigenous communities and their leadership structures, highlighting the role of a chieftain in traditional societies.

When to use 酋

酋 is primarily used in formal contexts or discussions about ethnography and cultural studies. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or using it in casual conversation, where more general terms like '领导' (lǐngdǎo) might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; 'qiú' is pronounced with a rising tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 酋 with similar characters like '头' (tóu), which means 'head' or 'leader' in a more general sense. Remember that 酋 specifically refers to tribal chiefs, while '头' can be used more broadly.

Write 酋

酋

Practice writing 酋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 酋

酋 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

____帅仅仅在出征时才能发号施令.

The war - chief could only give orders on military expeditions.

Example Sentences for 酋 (5)

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1
酋帅仅仅在出征时才能发号施令.

qiú shuài jǐnjǐn zài chūzhēng shí cáinéng fā hào Shī lìng.

The war - chief could only give orders on military expeditions.
2
对于酋帅职位的选举和任命也采取同样的方式.

duìyú qiú shuài zhíwèi de xuǎnjǔ hé rènmìng yě cǎiqǔ tóngyàng de fāngshì.

The same method of election and of confirmation existed with respect to the office of chief.
3
任何氏族只能从本氏族中选出其酋帅或首领.

rènhé shì zú zhǐnéng cóng běn shì zú zhōng xuǎn chū qí qiú shuài huò shǒu lǐng.

No gens would have a chief or sachem from any gens but its own.
4
氏族可以任意罢免酋长和酋帅.

shì zú kěyǐ rènyì bàmiǎn qiú cháng hé qiú shuài.

The gens deposes the sachem and war - chief at will.
5
他给娜奥米寄了封信,邀请她来参加他就任部落酋长的仪式。

tā gěi nà ào mǐ jì le fēng xìn, yāoqǐng tā lái cānjiā tā jiùrèn bù là qiú cháng de yíshì。

He sent a letter inviting Naomi to attend his installation as chief of his tribe.

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Word Family of 酋

Words containing this character5
酋长tribal chief酋長
阿联酋United Arab Emirates阿聯酋
酋qiútribal chief
阿拉伯联合酋长国United Arab Emirates (UAE)阿拉伯聯合酋長國
酋长国Emirate酋長國
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 酋

What does 酋长 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 酋

Use 酋 when discussing tribal leadership or specific cultural references, especially in academic or formal settings.

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