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March 24, 2026
沼zhǎo(zhao3)
The character 沼 (zhǎo) refers to a body of water such as a pond, pool, or swamp. It is often used to describe smaller, shallow bodies of water that are not as expansive as lakes. In contexts like nature, ecology, or geography, it denotes specific types of aquatic environments.
Strokes8Radical氵Frequency#12292DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wetlands and ponds like those described by 沼 are often seen as important ecosystems that support biodiversity. They are also linked to traditional practices like fishing and rice cultivation in rural areas.
Memory Tip
Think of 沼 as a 'zoo' for water creatures – the radical 氵 (water) on the left hints at its connection to water, while the right part resembles a small enclosure where animals might roam. Imagine a serene pond teeming with wildlife, making the word 'zhǎo' memorable.
Meanings of 沼
zhǎo(zhao3)
1pond
2pool
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 沼
沼Simplified
8Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12292Frequency Rank
Podcast: 沼
Podcast: 沼
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AI Study Notes for 沼
Quick Contrast
沼 (zhǎo) vs 池 (chí) — use 沼 for shallow, swamp-like water bodies, while 池 refers specifically to a pond or pool.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 沼 as a 'zoo' for water creatures – the radical 氵 (water) on the left hints at its connection to water, while the right part resembles a small enclosure where animals might roam. Imagine a serene pond teeming with wildlife, making the word 'zhǎo' memorable.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 沼 with similar characters such as 湖 (hú, lake) and 池 (chí, pool), which denote larger or different types of water bodies. This word is more common in informal settings and environmental discussions. Pay attention to the third tone 'zhǎo' to ensure correct pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 沼 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners at this level can connect it to other water-related words like 水 (shuǐ, water) and 湖 (hú, lake). Focus on pronunciation and recognizing it in written texts, especially in environmental contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wetlands and ponds like those described by 沼 are often seen as important ecosystems that support biodiversity. They are also linked to traditional practices like fishing and rice cultivation in rural areas.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 沼 with similar characters like 池 or 湖, mistakenly using 沼 to describe larger bodies of water. For example, saying '我去沼' (Wǒ qù zhǎo, 'I go to the pond') when referring to a lake would be incorrect; instead, use 湖 (hú).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沼
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Grammar Patterns of 沼
沼 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
周围的矿井里的确有____气聚积。
Methane gas does collect in the mines around here.
Example Sentences for 沼 (8)
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1
周围的矿井里的确有沼气聚积。
zhōu wéi de kuàng jǐng lǐ de què yǒu zhǎo qì jù jī。
Methane gas does collect in the mines around here.
2
他们已经仔细搜遍了其间绵延数英里的高沼地。
tā mén yǐ jīng zī xì sōu biàn le qí jiān mián yán shù yīng lǐ de gāo zhǎo dì。
They had scoured the intervening miles of moorland.
3
穿越开阔的高沼地
chuān yuè kāi kuò de gāo zhǎo dì
walking across open moorland
4
我们的四周出现了荒芜的高原沼地,头顶上亮着星星.
wǒ mén de sì zhōu chū xiàn le huāng wú de gāo yuán zhǎo dì, , tóu dǐng shàng liàng zháo xīng.
The moors are around us and the stars are above our heads.
5
隆起在沼泽上的一系列又长又矮的山脊,是平原上唯一可以栖住的地方.
lóng qǐ zài zhǎo zé shàng de yī xì liè yòu cháng yòu ǎi de shān jǐ, , shì píng yuán shàng wéi yī kě yǐ qī zhù de dì.
Long low ridges which rise above the marsh form the only inhabitable areas on the plain.
6
这一带地形平坦而多沼泽,再往远去地势隆起,形成矮山陵地.
zhè yī dài dì xíng píng tǎn ér duō zhǎo zé, , zài wǎng yuǎn qù dì shì lóng, qǐ , xíng chéng ǎi shān.
The land is flat and marshy before rising to a spine of low hills.
7
许多地表水, 特别是由沼泽地区流出的地表水常常染上一定程度的颜色.
xǔ duō dì biǎo shuǐ, , tè bié shì yóu zhǎo zé dì qū liú chū de dì biǎo shuǐ cháng cháng rǎn shàng yī dìng chéng dù de yán.
Many surface waters , particularly those emanating from swampy areas, are often colored to the extent.
8
然后他骑上自行车蹬出了厄里斯沼泽地区.
rán hòu tā qí shàng zì háng chē dēng chū le è lǐ sī zhǎo zé dì qū.
Then he wheeled his bicycle out of Erith Marshes.
Cultural Notes for 沼
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, wetlands and ponds like those described by 沼 are often seen as important ecosystems that support biodiversity. They are also linked to traditional practices like fishing and rice cultivation in rural areas.
Word Family of 沼
Words Containing This Character7
沼泽zhǎozémarsh沼澤
沼zhǎopond
沼气marsh gas沼氣
沼泽地marsh沼澤地
泥沼swamp
池沼pool
湖沼学limnology湖沼學
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 沼泽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 沼
It is pronounced as 'zhǎo' with a third tone.
No, it specifically describes smaller, shallow bodies of water rather than larger ones like lakes.
While 沼 is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, it can be found in ecological discussions about wetlands.
