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March 24, 2026
陬zōu(zou1)
The character 陬 (zōu) means a corner or cranny, often referring to a small, secluded space. It can also denote the foot of a mountain, emphasizing the boundary or edge of a larger area. This term is less commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or geographical contexts.
Strokes10Radical阝Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese poetry and literature, references to corners and hidden places often symbolize introspection and tranquility, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. The concept of a secluded niche connects to the idea of finding peace amidst the chaos of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny, hidden corner (陬) where two walls meet, with a mountain looming nearby. The character looks like a house (阝) with a little nook (凵) inside, suggesting a secret place at the foot of a mountain where you can find peace.
Meanings of 陬
zōu(zou1)
1corner, cranny, niche
2foot of mountain
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 陬
陬Simplified
10Strokes
阝Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 陬
Podcast: 陬
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AI Study Notes for 陬
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, hidden corner (陬) where two walls meet, with a mountain looming nearby. The character looks like a house (阝) with a little nook (凵) inside, suggesting a secret place at the foot of a mountain where you can find peace.
Usage Notes
Since 陬 is not frequently used in modern spoken Chinese, it's often seen in literary texts or specific geographical descriptions. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like '走' (zǒu), which means to walk. When using this character, ensure the context is clear to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 陬 can enhance your knowledge of geographical terms and literary expressions. Focus on recognizing its meaning and usage in context, especially in written Chinese.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese poetry and literature, references to corners and hidden places often symbolize introspection and tranquility, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. The concept of a secluded niche connects to the idea of finding peace amidst the chaos of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陬 with similar-sounding characters like '走' (zǒu), which means to walk. Remember that 陬 refers to a corner or niche, not movement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陬
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Cultural Notes for 陬
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese poetry and literature, references to corners and hidden places often symbolize introspection and tranquility, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. The concept of a secluded niche connects to the idea of finding peace amidst the chaos of life.
Word Family of 陬
Words Containing This Character1
陬zōucorner
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 陬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 陬
No, 陬 is more often found in literary contexts rather than in everyday spoken Chinese.
You can think of 'zōu' as 'zooming in' on a little corner, helping you recall its meaning.
Yes, characters like '角' (jiǎo, meaning 'angle' or 'corner') may come up, but they are used more commonly.
