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March 24, 2026
札(剳)zhá(zha2)
The character 札 (zhá) refers to a letter or note, often used in the context of written correspondence. It can also denote an official document from historical times, highlighting its significance in communication and record-keeping in Chinese culture.
Strokes5Radical木Frequency#16776DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 札 was often used for official communications, including edicts and notices, reflecting the importance of written documents in governance and societal organization.
Memory Tip
Think of 札 (zhá) as a 'sharp' note that pierces through the air, similar to how letters can convey important messages. The character's form has a component that resembles a page (丿) and a sharp edge (木), suggesting the clarity and urgency of written communication.
Meanings of 札
zhá(zha2)
1letter, note; correspondence
2a kind of official document (in former times)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 札
札Simplified
剳Traditional
5Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 札
Podcast: 札
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AI Study Notes for 札
Quick Contrast
信 (xìn, letter) — use 札 (zhá) for official or formal written correspondence, while 信 (xìn) is more general and can refer to any letter.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 札 (zhá) as a 'sharp' note that pierces through the air, similar to how letters can convey important messages. The character's form has a component that resembles a page (丿) and a sharp edge (木), suggesting the clarity and urgency of written communication.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 札 with its homophone 乍 (zhà), which means 'suddenly.' Remember that 札 is typically used in formal contexts, while in informal settings, 便条 (biàntiáo) might be preferred for notes. Ensure the correct tone is used; 札 is pronounced with the second tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 札 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other characters related to communication, such as 信 (xìn, letter) and 文 (wén, text). Focus on recognizing 札 in written texts and distinguishing it from similar-sounding words.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 札 was often used for official communications, including edicts and notices, reflecting the importance of written documents in governance and societal organization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 札 with 纸 (zhǐ, paper) and use it incorrectly. For instance, saying '我写在札上' (Wǒ xiě zài zhà shàng) instead of '我写在纸上' (Wǒ xiě zài zhǐ shàng) to mean 'I wrote on the paper.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 札
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Cultural Notes for 札
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 札 was often used for official communications, including edicts and notices, reflecting the importance of written documents in governance and societal organization.
Word Family of 札
Words Containing This Character9
札zháletter
札幌Sapporo, Japan
札记reading notes札記
手札(literary) personal letter
信札letter
书札letter書劄
札达Zanda county in Ngari prefecture, Tibet, Tibetan: Rtsa mda' rdzong札達
札达县Zanda county in Ngari prefecture, Tibet, Tibetan: Rtsa mda' rdzong札達縣
玉札nephrite
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 札 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 札
札 typically refers to more formal letters or notes, while 信 is a general term for any letter, including personal correspondence.
While it can be used, 札 is more common in written contexts and formal discussions rather than in casual spoken language.
Yes, but it is less common than other terms for letters; it may appear in historical texts or formal documents.
