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釗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhāoto endeavor, to strive; to encourage; to cutx, 10 strokes, radical 釒, Very Hard
zhāo(zhao1) T1
  1. 1to endeavor, to strive; to encourage; to cut
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March 24, 2026

zhāo(zhao1)

The character 釗 (zhāo) conveys the meaning of endeavoring or striving toward a goal. It can also imply encouragement or motivation to push oneself or others. In certain contexts, it can relate to the act of cutting, potentially emphasizing precision or determination in the effort.

Strokes10RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of striving or endeavoring is closely tied to values such as hard work and perseverance, often reflected in sayings like '艰苦奋斗' (jiān kǔ fèn dòu), which emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving one's goals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sharp cutting tool (the radical 钅, meaning metal) that symbolizes a determined effort to slice through obstacles, representing both the 'cutting' aspect and the idea of striving or endeavoring with precision.

Meanings of 釗

zhāo(zhao1)
1to endeavor, to strive; to encourage; to cut
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 釗

Simplified
10Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 釗

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 釗

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sharp cutting tool (the radical 钅, meaning metal) that symbolizes a determined effort to slice through obstacles, representing both the 'cutting' aspect and the idea of striving or endeavoring with precision.

Usage Notes

While 釗 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in literary or poetic contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, and remember to use it in a formal or literary register for clarity.

HSK Study Tips

Since 釗 is not included in the HSK levels, learners should focus on familiarizing themselves with its pronunciation and meaning through reading literary texts. Connecting it with characters that convey similar themes of striving, like 奋 (fèn, to strive), can deepen understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of striving or endeavoring is closely tied to values such as hard work and perseverance, often reflected in sayings like '艰苦奋斗' (jiān kǔ fèn dòu), which emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving one's goals.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 釗 with similar characters like 照 (zhào, to shine) due to the similar pronunciation. Always verify the context to ensure correct usage.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 釗

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Etymology of 釗

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A metal 釒 knife 刂; 刂 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 釗?

Decomposition of 釗

IDS Structure⿰釒刂
Full Character
=
jin1
left
dao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 釗?

Write 釗

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 釗

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of striving or endeavoring is closely tied to values such as hard work and perseverance, often reflected in sayings like '艰苦奋斗' (jiān kǔ fèn dòu), which emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving one's goals.

Word Family of 釗

Words Containing This Character3
zhāoto cut
李大钊Li Dazhao (1889-1927), early Chinese Marxist and founding member of the communist party李大釗
章士钊Zhang Shizhao (1881-1973), revolutionary journalist in Shanghai, then established writer章士釗
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 钊 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 釗

It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but can be found in literary contexts.