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March 24, 2026
崽zǎi(zai3)
The character 崽 (zǎi) primarily means 'young animal' or 'offspring,' often used to refer to young versions of various creatures. It can also be used informally to describe a child or someone considered immature, capturing a sense of endearment or diminutiveness. In this context, it can imply someone who is not yet fully grown or developed.
Strokes12Radical山Frequency#20072DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In rural China, the term 崽 is often used affectionately for young animals that are part of farming or household life, reflecting the close relationship between people and animals in agrarian cultures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small puppy (the 崽) climbing up a hill (the radical 土, meaning earth). The shape of the character 崽 looks like a little creature standing on the ground, helping you remember it means 'young animal' and sounds like 'zǎi', which could remind you of a 'tiny' creature.
Meanings of 崽
zǎi(zai3)
1child, servant; a diminutive
2young animal
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 崽
崽Simplified
12Strokes
山Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 崽
Podcast: 崽
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AI Study Notes for 崽
Quick Contrast
幼崽 (yòuzǎi) refers specifically to 'young offspring' or 'cub' of animals, while 崽 (zǎi) can refer to young animals in a broader sense, including informal use for children.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small puppy (the 崽) climbing up a hill (the radical 土, meaning earth). The shape of the character 崽 looks like a little creature standing on the ground, helping you remember it means 'young animal' and sounds like 'zǎi', which could remind you of a 'tiny' creature.
Usage Notes
崽 is often used in informal contexts, particularly among friends or in familial settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with 子 (zǐ) which also means 'child' but is more formal. Be mindful of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 崽 is not a part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK Level 3 words like 小 (xiǎo, 'small') and 孩 (hái, 'child'). Focus on the diminutive nature of the word to understand its casual usage better.
Cultural Note
In rural China, the term 崽 is often used affectionately for young animals that are part of farming or household life, reflecting the close relationship between people and animals in agrarian cultures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 崽 with other similar characters like 子 (zǐ) or 孩 (hái). For example, saying '我有两个子' instead of '我有两个崽' when referring to young animals. The correct usage would be '我有两个崽' (I have two young animals).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 崽
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Grammar Patterns of 崽
崽 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.
I say it's a good sign when the bastards have to throw their weight about.
Cultural Notes for 崽
🏮Cultural insight
In rural China, the term 崽 is often used affectionately for young animals that are part of farming or household life, reflecting the close relationship between people and animals in agrarian cultures.
Word Family of 崽
Words Containing This Character5
崽zǎichild
兔崽子brat
狗崽子(coll.) puppy
伢崽(dialect) child
烂崽rogue爛崽
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 崽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 崽
Yes, 崽 can informally refer to young children, but it carries a more casual or affectionate tone.
No, 崽 is typically informal and used in casual conversations.
孩子 (hái zi) is a more standard term for 'child', while 崽 (zǎi) has a diminutive connotation and is more affectionate.
