to cut down, to reduce, to regulate; to rein in spending
x, 15 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
撙
zǔn
to reduce or cut down on
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
撙
zǔn
to rein in
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
撙
zǔn
to restrain
unknown, 15 strokes, radical 扌, Very Hard
zǔn(zun3) T3
1to cut down, to reduce, to regulate; to rein in spending
2to reduce or cut down on
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March 24, 2026
撙zǔn(zun3)
The character 撙 (zǔn) refers to the act of cutting down or reducing something, particularly in the context of managing resources or spending. It is often used in discussions about financial restraint or regulation, implying a careful, measured approach to consumption or expenditure.
Strokes15Radical扌Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fiscal responsibility is emphasized, especially in familial and governmental contexts. The practice of 撙节 is often seen during economic downturns or in traditional family budgeting discussions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding scissors (the radical 扌, meaning hand) and carefully cutting down a tall stack of bills (representing expenses). The sound 'zǔn' resembles 'zoom', which you can think of as zooming in on your spending to cut it down.
Meanings of 撙
zǔn(zun3)
1to cut down, to reduce, to regulate; to rein in spending
2to reduce or cut down on
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 撙
撙Simplified
15Strokes
扌Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 撙
Podcast: 撙
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AI Study Notes for 撙
Quick Contrast
节 (jié) vs 节省 (jiéshěng) — choose 撙 (zǔn) for a focus on cutting down or reducing resources, while 节 emphasizes conservation or saving.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding scissors (the radical 扌, meaning hand) and carefully cutting down a tall stack of bills (representing expenses). The sound 'zǔn' resembles 'zoom', which you can think of as zooming in on your spending to cut it down.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions related to finance or policy. Common collocations include 撙节 (to economize) and 撙缩 (to reduce). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 撙 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding its components can help learners with similar characters related to reduction or restraint. Focus on memorizing the character's form and its application in financial contexts to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fiscal responsibility is emphasized, especially in familial and governmental contexts. The practice of 撙节 is often seen during economic downturns or in traditional family budgeting discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 撙 with similar sounding words like 存 (cún, to save) or 减 (jiǎn, to reduce). Remember that 撙 specifically relates to cutting down or regulating, especially in spending contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 撙
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Cultural Notes for 撙
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of fiscal responsibility is emphasized, especially in familial and governmental contexts. The practice of 撙节 is often seen during economic downturns or in traditional family budgeting discussions.
Word Family of 撙
Words Containing This Character1
撙zǔnto rein in
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 撙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 撙
Common phrases include 撙节 (to economize) and 撙缩 (to reduce), both of which highlight the act of cutting back.
While it may not be used in casual conversation, it is relevant in discussions about budgeting or financial planning.
