Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
啄zhuó(zhuo2)
The character 啄 (zhuó) means 'to peck,' commonly used in contexts involving birds or actions resembling pecking. It implies a repetitive, small-scale action, often associated with feeding or searching for food. This word can also convey a sense of precise or targeted action, like pecking at something with intent.
Strokes11Radical口Frequency#16985DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, birds are often symbols of freedom and nature, and pecking is a common image in poetry that evokes the beauty of the natural world. The action of pecking can also symbolize diligence in searching for knowledge or resources.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird pecking at the ground in search of seeds. The character 啄 looks like a bird's beak (the top part) pecking downwards at something (the lower part). Envision the sound 'zhuó' as the quick pecking noise made by a bird.
Meanings of 啄
zhuó(zhuo2)
1to peck
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 啄
啄Simplified
11Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 啄
Podcast: 啄
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 啄
Quick Contrast
啄 (peck) vs 啊 (a, interjection) — 啄 specifically refers to the action of pecking, while 啊 serves as an interjection without a direct action implication.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird pecking at the ground in search of seeds. The character 啄 looks like a bird's beak (the top part) pecking downwards at something (the lower part). Envision the sound 'zhuó' as the quick pecking noise made by a bird.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 啄 with similar-sounding verbs; ensure to use it specifically for pecking actions. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can also be found in literary descriptions of nature. Be mindful of tone; using a wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 啄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to other verbs of action at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in context, especially in literature or descriptions of nature, to enhance their reading comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, birds are often symbols of freedom and nature, and pecking is a common image in poetry that evokes the beauty of the natural world. The action of pecking can also symbolize diligence in searching for knowledge or resources.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 啄 with 拍 (pāi), which means 'to clap' or 'to pat.' Remember that 啄 specifically refers to pecking actions, not just any tapping movement. For example, using 啄 in a context meant for 拍 would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 啄
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 啄 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 啄 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 啄
啄 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. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
鸟儿们紧贴在墙上，____着砖缝。
The birds cling to the wall and nibble at the brickwork.
Leaves rustled lightly in the wind and woodpeckers tapped at tree trunks.
6
母鸡啄食地上的谷粒.
mǔ jī zhuó shí dì shàng de gǔ lì.
The hen ate the grains of corn on the ground.
7
秃鹰在天空盘旋等着啄食鹿的尸体.
tū yīng zài tiān kōng pán xuán děng zháo zhuó shí lù de shī tǐ.
Vultures flew around in the sky waiting to pick at the carcass of the deer.
Cultural Notes for 啄
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, birds are often symbols of freedom and nature, and pecking is a common image in poetry that evokes the beauty of the natural world. The action of pecking can also symbolize diligence in searching for knowledge or resources.
Word Family of 啄
Words Containing This Character3
啄zhuóto peck
啄木鸟woodpecker啄木鳥
啄食(of a bird) to peck at food
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 啄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 啄
Besides 'to peck,' it can also imply similar actions like 'to nip' or 'to tap,' depending on context.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe someone persistently pursuing information or trying to uncover details.
Focus on the initial 'zhu' sound, similar to 'zoo,' followed by a soft 'ó' as in 'more' but without the 'r' sound.
