HSK 4, ng, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Medium
洲
zhōu
island
HSK 4, ng, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Medium
洲
zhōu
island in a river
HSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 氵, rank #10427, Medium
zhōu(zhou1)zhou T1
1continent
2island
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
洲zhōu(zhou1)
The character 洲 (zhōu) refers to a large landmass such as a continent or an island, often in a geographical context. It can also denote an island within a river, emphasizing its significance in both natural geography and discussions about locations.
Strokes9Radical氵Frequency#10427DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of continents and islands is often related to philosophical discussions about geography and nature, reflecting the importance of harmony in the environment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhōu') filled with animals from different continents. The character 洲 has the water radical 氵, hinting at its connection to islands and rivers surrounded by water, making it easier to remember.
Meanings of 洲
zhōu(zhou1)
1continent
2island
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 洲 means.
About 洲
洲Simplified
9Strokes
氵Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#10427Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 洲
Podcast: 洲
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 洲
Quick Contrast
岛 (dǎo) refers specifically to an island, while 洲 (zhōu) can refer to a larger landmass or continent.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 洲 with similar-sounding characters like 州 (zhōu, meaning 'state' or 'district'). This character is generally used in formal contexts related to geography. Be mindful of the tone; incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
While 洲 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it shares components with other HSK words related to geography. Focus on understanding the radicals and how they connect to other words, particularly those involving water (氵).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 洲 with 洲 (zhōu) and use it incorrectly in phrases like '美国洲' instead of '美国州' (Měiguó zhōu - state of America). Ensure to use 洲 only for continents or islands.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 洲
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 洲 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 洲 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 洲?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 洲 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 洲 (zhōu) refers to a large landmass such as a continent or an island, often in a geographical context. It can also denote an island within a river, emphasizing its significance in both natural geography and discussions about locations.
When to use 洲
Common mistakes include confusing 洲 with similar-sounding characters like 州 (zhōu, meaning 'state' or 'district'). This character is generally used in formal contexts related to geography. Be mindful of the tone; incorrect pronunciation can change the meaning significantly.
洲 or something close to it
岛 (dǎo) refers specifically to an island, while 洲 (zhōu) can refer to a larger landmass or continent.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 洲 with 洲 (zhōu) and use it incorrectly in phrases like '美国洲' instead of '美国州' (Měiguó zhōu - state of America). Ensure to use 洲 only for continents or islands.
Write 洲
洲
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 洲 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 洲
洲 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.
We took a boat to the small island and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 洲?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 洲
💡Did you know?
In Chinese, '洲' can refer to both continents and islands, showcasing the ancient Chinese understanding of geography. The term is essential in many geographical names in China, such as '亚洲' (Asia) and '非洲' (Africa).
Word Family of 洲
Words Containing This Character20
欧洲ōuzhōuEurope歐洲
非洲Africa
亚洲yàzhōuAsia亞洲
洲zhōucontinent
澳洲Australia
美洲the Americas
拉丁美洲Latin America
绿洲oasis綠洲
三角洲delta (geography)
亚洲杯Asian Cup亞洲杯
南美洲South America
洲际intercontinental洲際
满洲Manchuria滿洲
美洲狮cougar美洲獅
美洲虎jaguar
美洲豹panther
大洲continent
中美洲Central America
南极洲Antarctica南極洲
大洋洲Oceania
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 洲
What does 欧洲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 洲
洲 (zhōu) refers to a continent or a larger landmass, while 岛 (dǎo) specifically means 'island.' The distinction is important when discussing geography, as '洲' implies a larger expanse of land compared to '岛.'
Yes, 洲 is commonly used in modern Chinese geography to refer to continents like '亚洲' (Asia) or '非洲' (Africa). It's also found in discussions about ecology and landforms, making it relevant in both academic and casual contexts.
洲 (zhōu) primarily means 'continent' in Chinese. It can also refer to an 'island' specifically within a river. The character is often used in geographical contexts, such as naming continents or discussing landforms.
You can use 洲 in sentences like '亚洲是世界上最大的洲' (Asia is the largest continent in the world). It is also used in phrases like '长江中有许多小洲' (There are many small islands in the Yangtze River).
洲 refers to a continent or large island, while 岛 (dǎo) specifically means 'island'.
It is commonly used in expressions like '亚洲' (Yàzhōu - Asia) or '洲际' (zhōu jì - intercontinental).
Yes, for example, '五大洲' (Wǔ Dà Zhōu - the five continents).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 洲?
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.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
