HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 皮, rank #8496, Very Hard
皱
zhòu
wrinkled
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 皮, rank #8496, Very Hard
皱
zhòu
to crease
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 皮, rank #8496, Very Hard
皱
zhòu
wrinkles, creases, folds
HSK 7, v, 10 strokes, radical 皮, rank #8496, Very Hard
zhòu(zhou4)zhou T4
1to wrinkle
2wrinkled
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March 24, 2026
皱(皺)zhòu(zhou4)
The character 皱 (zhòu) refers to the action of wrinkling or creasing, commonly used to describe fabric or skin. It can also represent the state of being wrinkled or folded. In everyday contexts, it is often used in discussions about clothing care or facial expressions.
Strokes10Radical皮Frequency#8496DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, neatness and presentation are highly valued, hence the significance of discussing wrinkles in clothing and appearance as part of social etiquette. The concept of being well-groomed often includes avoiding wrinkles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhòu') where all the animals are wrinkled. The character 皱 has a 'mouth' (口) at the bottom, symbolizing a face that may be wrinkled due to frowning or worry, emphasizing the connection to creases.
Meanings of 皱
zhòu(zhou4)
1to wrinkle
2wrinkled
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 皱 means.
About 皱
皱Simplified
皺Traditional
10Strokes
皮Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8496Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 皱
Podcast: 皱
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AI Study Notes for 皱
Quick Contrast
皱 (zhòu) vs 褶 (zhě) — use 皱 for general wrinkling, while 褶 refers specifically to pleats or folds.
Usage Notes
It is important to remember that 皱 is often used in a descriptive sense, such as describing wrinkled clothes (皱衣服). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters. It is generally informal, so use it in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
皱 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels but is relevant for learners at HSK 3 and above due to its practical applications. Focus on using it in context with clothing and personal care vocabulary to strengthen understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 皱 with 走 (zǒu, to walk) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 皱 specifically relates to wrinkles, while 走 is about movement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 皱
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How Well Do You Know 皱?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 皱 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.
皱 = 皮 + 刍. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 皱
IDS Structure⿰刍皮
皱Full Character
=
刍chu2
left
皮Pi2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 皱?
How to say to wrinkle in Chinese
“to wrinkle” in Chinese is皱zhòu
The character 皱 (zhòu) refers to the action of wrinkling or creasing, commonly used to describe fabric or skin. It can also represent the state of being wrinkled or folded. In everyday contexts, it is often used in discussions about clothing care or facial expressions.
When to use 皱
It is important to remember that 皱 is often used in a descriptive sense, such as describing wrinkled clothes (皱衣服). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding characters. It is generally informal, so use it in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
皱 or something close to it
皱 (zhòu) vs 褶 (zhě) — use 皱 for general wrinkling, while 褶 refers specifically to pleats or folds.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 皱 with 走 (zǒu, to walk) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 皱 specifically relates to wrinkles, while 走 is about movement.
Write 皱
皱
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Practice writing 皱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 皱
皱 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 4 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他的衣服____巴巴的，好像他是穿着衣服睡的。
His clothes were creased, as if he had slept in them.
Example Sentences for 皱 (10)
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1
他的衣服皱巴巴的，好像他是穿着衣服睡的。
tā de yī fú zhòu bā bā de， ， hǎo xiàng tā shì chuān zháo yī fú shuì。
His clothes were creased, as if he had slept in them.
2
艾伦的脸皱了起来，好像要打喷嚏。
ài lún de liǎn zhòu le qǐ lái， ， hǎo xiàng yào dǎ pēn。
Ellen's face wrinkles as if she is about to sneeze.
