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March 24, 2026
朱(硃)zhū(Zhu1)
The character 朱 (zhū) primarily refers to cinnabar or vermilion, a bright red pigment historically significant in Chinese art and culture. It is also a common surname in China, which can indicate lineage and heritage. The use of this character is often found in contexts related to art, decoration, and personal names.
Strokes6Radical木Frequency#9624DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the color red, symbolized by 朱, is associated with good fortune and happiness. It is often used in decorations during festivals and weddings to convey joy and prosperity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright red sunset reflected on a shimmering lake, which embodies the essence of 朱 (zhū). The visual of 'red' (the color of cinnabar) can help you remember the pronunciation, as 'zhū' sounds like the beginning of 'zhu' in 'zhush,' which means to adorn with vibrant colors.
Meanings of 朱
zhū(Zhu1)
1cinnabar, vermilion; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 朱
朱Simplified
硃Traditional
6Strokes
木Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 朱
Podcast: 朱
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AI Study Notes for 朱
Usage Notes
When using 朱 in writing or conversation, it's important to distinguish whether you are referring to the color or the surname. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or characters. Avoid using 朱 in overly formal contexts where the specific context of color may not be clear.
HSK Study Tips
Though 朱 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other color-related characters, such as 红 (hóng, red) and 蓝 (lán, blue). Focus on the pronunciation and the contexts where colors are discussed to enhance your vocabulary related to art and culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 朱 (zhū) with 知 (zhī), which means 'to know.' For example, saying '我知道朱' (wǒ zhī dào zhū) instead of '我叫朱' (wǒ jiào zhū) to introduce oneself incorrectly mixes these two characters.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 朱
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Based on the original meaning "tree trunk", now written as 株. Derivative of 木 (tree). The current meaning is a phonetic loan.
1The giveawayThe color of the sap 一 of some trees 木
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 朱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 朱?
Decomposition of 朱
IDS Structure⿻一木
朱Full Character
=
一yi1
outer
木Mu4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 朱?
How to say surname Zhu in Chinese
“surname Zhu” in Chinese is朱zhū
The character 朱 (zhū) primarily refers to cinnabar or vermilion, a bright red pigment historically significant in Chinese art and culture. It is also a common surname in China, which can indicate lineage and heritage. The use of this character is often found in contexts related to art, decoration, and personal names.
When to use 朱
When using 朱 in writing or conversation, it's important to distinguish whether you are referring to the color or the surname. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words or characters. Avoid using 朱 in overly formal contexts where the specific context of color may not be clear.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 朱 (zhū) with 知 (zhī), which means 'to know.' For example, saying '我知道朱' (wǒ zhī dào zhū) instead of '我叫朱' (wǒ jiào zhū) to introduce oneself incorrectly mixes these two characters.
Write 朱
朱
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Practice writing 朱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 朱
朱 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
“我有他的名片，”____迪丝边说边把名片递了过来。
"I've got his card." Judith said, handing it over.
Example Sentences for 朱 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
“我有他的名片，”朱迪丝边说边把名片递了过来。
“ “ wǒ yǒu tā de míng，” piàn ，” zhū dí sī biān shuō biān bǎ míng piàn dì le。
"I've got his card." Judith said, handing it over.
2
当阿蒂彻底不再上门后，朱莉又找了个男人。
dāng ā dì chè dǐ bù zài shàng mén hòu， ， zhū lì yòu zhǎo le gè nán。
When Artie stopped calling altogether, Julie found a new man.
3
朱莉的戏剧老师相信她会成为一颗冉冉升起的明星。
zhū lì de xì jù lǎo shī xiāng xìn tā huì chéng wéi yī kē rǎn rǎn shēng qǐ de míng xīng。
Her drama teacher is confident Julie is a star in the making.
