unknown, 5 strokes, radical 木, rank #16776, Very Hard
zhá(zha2) T2
1letter, note; correspondence
2a kind of official document (in former times)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#16776DifficultyVery Hard
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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 札
札Simplified
剳Traditional
5Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 札
Podcast: 札
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 札 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 札 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 札?
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.
