Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
助zhù(zhu4)
The character 助 (zhù) means 'to help' or 'to assist.' It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often relating to providing support or aid to someone in need. The nuance can imply a sense of collaboration or partnership in various activities.
Strokes7Radical力Frequency#4744DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of helping others is deeply ingrained in social interactions and community life, often seen in family and friend dynamics where mutual assistance is expected.
Memory Tip
Imagine a superhero (助) lifting someone up to help them. The character has a person (亻) on the left side, representing someone, and the right side sounds like 'zhu' which you can remember as 'zoo'—where helpers assist animals.
Meanings of 助
zhù(zhu4)
1to help
2to assist
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 助
助Simplified
7Strokes
力Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4744Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 助
Podcast: 助
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 助
Quick Contrast
帮助 (bāngzhù) vs 协助 (xiézhù) — use 助 (zhù) for a more general sense of help, while 帮助 (bāngzhù) implies direct assistance, and 协助 (xiézhù) suggests a more formal or cooperative support.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a superhero (助) lifting someone up to help them. The character has a person (亻) on the left side, representing someone, and the right side sounds like 'zhu' which you can remember as 'zoo'—where helpers assist animals.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context; 助 can be used in both formal and everyday situations, but in more formal settings, you might encounter 助理 (zhùlǐ) meaning 'assistant.' Common collocations include 助手 (zhùshǒu) for 'helper' and 助力 (zhùlì) meaning 'to provide assistance.'
HSK Study Tips
While 助 is not currently listed in the HSK levels, it is valuable for learners at HSK 3 and above. Students should focus on its usage in contexts of assistance and support, connecting it to phrases like 帮助 (bāngzhù) which means 'to help.'
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of helping others is deeply ingrained in social interactions and community life, often seen in family and friend dynamics where mutual assistance is expected.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 助 with 帮 (bāng), thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying '我能助你' (Wǒ néng zhù nǐ) is less common; it's better to say '我能帮你' (Wǒ néng bāng nǐ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 助
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 助 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 助 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 助
助 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Sheila had an ulterior motive for trying to help Stan.
11
他常常帮助邻居解决生活中的小问题。
Tā chángcháng bāngzhù línjū jiějué shēnghuó zhōng de xiǎo wèntí.
He often helps his neighbors solve small problems in life.
12
志愿者们到社区去帮助那些需要帮助的人。
Zhìyuànzhě men dào shèqū qù bāngzhù nàxiē xūyào bāngzhù de rén.
Volunteers go to the community to help those in need.
13
她总是愿意在项目上提供帮助。
Tā zǒng shì yuànyì zài xiàngmù shàng tígōng bāngzhù.
She is always willing to provide help on the project.
14
医生的建议对我康复有很大帮助。
Yīshēng de jiànyì duì wǒ kāngfù yǒu hěn dà bāngzhù.
The doctor's advice greatly helps my recovery.
Cultural Notes for 助
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of helping others is deeply ingrained in social interactions and community life, often seen in family and friend dynamics where mutual assistance is expected.
Word Family of 助
Compounds6
锄chu2hoe; to eradicate, to weed out
筯
勗
耡
莇
鋤chu2hoe; to eradicate, to weed out
Words Containing This Character20
帮助bāngzhùaid幫助
助理zhùlǐassistant
援助yuánzhùto help
协助xiézhùto aid協助
助手zhùshǒuassistant
助zhùto help
救助jiùzhùaid
资助zīzhùto subsidize資助
有助于yǒuzhùyúto contribute to有助於
赞助zànzhùto support贊助
辅助fǔzhùto assist輔助
借助jièzhùto draw support from
求助qiúzhùto request help
补助bǔzhùsubsidy補助
无助helpless無助
自助zìzhùself-service
捐助juānzhùto donate
互助hùzhùHuzhu Tuzu autonomous county in Haidong prefecture 海東地區|海东地区[Hǎidōngdìqū], Qinghai
自助餐buffet
相助to help one another
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 锄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 助
You can say '我可以帮助你' (Wǒ kěyǐ bāngzhù nǐ), which means 'I can help you.'
Yes, 助 can be used in both formal and informal settings, but make sure to use it appropriately depending on the situation.
Both mean 'to help,' but 帮 is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversations, while 助 can be more formal.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 助?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
