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March 24, 2026
灼zhuó(zhuo2)
The character 灼 (zhuó) primarily means 'to burn' or 'to cauterize.' It can also describe something that is bright or luminous, often evoking imagery of intense heat or light. This character is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly relating to cauterization, as well as in poetic expressions to describe vivid brightness.
Strokes7Radical火Frequency#17717DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, cauterization is a technique used in various treatments, making 灼 relevant in cultural discussions about health practices. The bright and burning connotations of the character also resonate with Chinese poetry that often celebrates the beauty of light.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bright flame that not only burns but also leaves a lasting mark, like a cauterized wound. The left part of the character, '火' (fire), signifies heat, while the right side suggests action. Think of 'zhuó' as the sound of a sizzling fire burning brightly.
Meanings of 灼
zhuó(zhuo2)
1to burn, to cauterize; bright
2luminous
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 灼
灼Simplified
7Strokes
火Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 灼
Podcast: 灼
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AI Study Notes for 灼
Quick Contrast
灼 (zhuó) vs 烧 (shāo) — use 灼 for cauterization or intense brightness, while 烧 refers more generally to burning or cooking.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bright flame that not only burns but also leaves a lasting mark, like a cauterized wound. The left part of the character, '火' (fire), signifies heat, while the right side suggests action. Think of 'zhuó' as the sound of a sizzling fire burning brightly.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 灼 with similar-sounding words, as the tone can change the meaning entirely. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often found in medical or literary discussions. Common collocations include '灼烧' (to burn) and '灼热' (burning hot).
HSK Study Tips
While 灼 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to HSK level 4 words such as '火' (fire) and '亮' (bright). Students should focus on the characters' radicals and related vocabulary to enhance understanding.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, cauterization is a technique used in various treatments, making 灼 relevant in cultural discussions about health practices. The bright and burning connotations of the character also resonate with Chinese poetry that often celebrates the beauty of light.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 灼 with '灼热' (zhuó rè), which means burning hot. It's important to use the correct context, as using 灼 alone can lead to confusion about whether you are discussing burning or the sensation of heat.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 灼
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Grammar Patterns of 灼
灼 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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
双手可能会有种刺痛感或____热感。
A sensation of burning or tingling may be experienced in the hands.
The afterglow so brilliantly aflame , ho ; the seagulls fluttering so carefree.
Cultural Notes for 灼
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, cauterization is a technique used in various treatments, making 灼 relevant in cultural discussions about health practices. The bright and burning connotations of the character also resonate with Chinese poetry that often celebrates the beauty of light.
Word Family of 灼
Words Containing This Character7
灼zhuóluminous
灼热zhuórèburning hot灼熱
烧灼to burn燒灼
焦灼(literary) deeply worried
真知灼见penetrating insight真知灼見
胃灼热heartburn胃灼熱
灼见to see clearly灼見
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 灼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 灼
It is pronounced as 'zhuó' with a rising tone.
Yes, while it is more common in specific contexts like medicine or literature, you can use it to describe things that are really hot or bright.
Common phrases include '灼伤' (to burn oneself) and '灼热' (burning hot).
