HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #36045, Very Hard
枣
zǎo
jujube
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 木, rank #36045, Very Hard
zǎo(zao3) T3
1date tree; dates, jujubes; surname
2jujube
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
枣(棗)zǎo(zao3)
枣 (zǎo) refers primarily to the jujube tree and its fruit, commonly known as dates. It is often used in culinary contexts, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine, where dates are valued for their health benefits. Additionally, it can also be a surname in China.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#36045DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, jujubes are often used during festivals and are considered a symbol of good luck and health. They are frequently included in dishes for special occasions, such as weddings and the Lunar New Year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree that bears sweet, reddish fruits resembling tiny apples — this is the jujube tree! The character 枣 is composed of the wood radical 木, indicating it's a tree, combined with 𠂤, which could remind you of the fruit it produces. Think of 'zǎo' as 'sow' – sowing seeds for a fruitful jujube tree.
Meanings of 枣
zǎo(zao3)
1date tree; dates, jujubes; surname
2jujube
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 枣
枣Simplified
棗Traditional
8Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 枣
Podcast: 枣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 枣
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the pronunciation; the third tone can be tricky. In terms of usage, it's often paired with words like '干' (gān) meaning 'dried,' as in 'dried dates' (干枣). This term is informal and more common in spoken language rather than formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
Although 枣 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to HSK Level 2 words related to food and plants. Focus on recognizing the wood radical and the context in which 食物 (shíwù, food) is discussed to enhance your learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 枣 with other similar-sounding words, such as 早 (zǎo, early). Remember, 枣 refers to the jujube, while 早 relates to time. Additionally, some may mistakenly refer to it as a regular 'date' without specifying it's a jujube in a Chinese context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 枣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 枣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
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 枣? 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 枣?
Decomposition of 枣
IDS Structure⿱朿⺀
枣Full Character
=
朿ci4
top
⺀—
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 枣?
How to say date tree; dates, jujubes; surname in Chinese
“date tree; dates, jujubes; surname” in Chinese is枣zǎo
枣 (zǎo) refers primarily to the jujube tree and its fruit, commonly known as dates. It is often used in culinary contexts, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine, where dates are valued for their health benefits. Additionally, it can also be a surname in China.
When to use 枣
Be cautious with the pronunciation; the third tone can be tricky. In terms of usage, it's often paired with words like '干' (gān) meaning 'dried,' as in 'dried dates' (干枣). This term is informal and more common in spoken language rather than formal writing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 枣 with other similar-sounding words, such as 早 (zǎo, early). Remember, 枣 refers to the jujube, while 早 relates to time. Additionally, some may mistakenly refer to it as a regular 'date' without specifying it's a jujube in a Chinese context.
Write 枣
枣
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 枣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 枣
枣 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
日落时开斋，按传统会吃椰____、喝水。
The fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water.
