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March 24, 2026
椎chuí(chui2)
The character 椎 (chuí) primarily refers to a 'spine' or 'vertebra' in a biological context. It can also mean 'hammer' or 'mallet,' often used in contexts involving tools or striking. In both usages, the term conveys a sense of structure and impact.
Strokes12Radical木Frequency#26094DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of the spine is crucial for understanding health and wellness; it is often associated with the flow of qi (energy) in the body. The spine is viewed not just as a structural element but as integral to overall health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spine that looks like a series of hammers stacked together. The left component 木 (mù) represents wood, hinting at the material of a hammer, while the right component 追 (zhuī) sounds like 'chui' and suggests striking or following through with force.
Meanings of 椎
chuí(chui2)
primary
1a hammer
2spine
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 椎
椎Simplified
12Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#26094Frequency Rank
Podcast: 椎
Podcast: 椎
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AI Study Notes for 椎
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a spine that looks like a series of hammers stacked together. The left component 木 (mù) represents wood, hinting at the material of a hammer, while the right component 追 (zhuī) sounds like 'chui' and suggests striking or following through with force.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 椎 with other similar characters like 骨 (gǔ) for 'bone.' This word is more technical and is often used in medical or anatomical contexts rather than in casual conversation. Be mindful of the tone; it’s pronounced with a rising tone (chuí).
HSK Study Tips
Although 椎 is not included in the HSK lists, it connects to HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to anatomy and tools. Students should focus on the components of the character and its pronunciation to accurately use it in context.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of the spine is crucial for understanding health and wellness; it is often associated with the flow of qi (energy) in the body. The spine is viewed not just as a structural element but as integral to overall health.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 椎 with 杆 (gǎn), which means 'rod' or 'pole.' A common error is saying '椎骨' (chuí gǔ) when referring to 'vertebrae' instead of correctly using '脊椎' (jǐ chuí).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 椎
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Grammar Patterns of 椎
椎 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 3 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
这一动作舒展脊____，使脊神经更加强健。
This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves.
But, of the vertebrates, unpredictable Nature selected only snakes ( and one lizard ).
Cultural Notes for 椎
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of the spine is crucial for understanding health and wellness; it is often associated with the flow of qi (energy) in the body. The spine is viewed not just as a structural element but as integral to overall health.
Word Family of 椎
Words Containing This Character13
脊椎vertebra
椎chuía hammer
颈椎jǐngzhuīcervical vertebra頸椎
腰椎lumbar vertebra (lower backbone)
椎骨vertebra
椎间盘intervertebral disk椎間盤
颈椎病cervical spondylosis頸椎病
脊椎骨vertebra
胸椎thoracic vertebra
脊椎动物vertebrate脊椎動物
腰椎间盘intervertebral disk腰椎間盤
无脊椎动物invertebrate無脊椎動物
尾椎coccyx
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 脊椎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 椎
It is pronounced as 'chuí' with a rising tone.
You would typically use 椎 in medical discussions or when referring to tools like hammers.
Yes, in medical contexts, you might encounter 骨 (gǔ) for 'bone,' but it has a different meaning.
