Meanings of 竹
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 竹
Podcast: 竹
Podcast: 竹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 竹
Be mindful of the context in which you use 竹; it is often used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 竹子 (bamboo), 竹筒 (bamboo tube), and 竹笛 (bamboo flute). Avoid confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words to prevent misunderstandings.
While 竹 is not explicitly in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 2 words related to nature and materials. Focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases, especially when discussing traditional crafts or music.
Learners often confuse 竹 (bamboo) with similar characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 草 (cǎo, grass). For example, saying '我喜欢树' (I like trees) when referring to bamboo is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢竹.'
Pronunciation of 竹
Drill the tone of 竹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 竹
Pictograph of bamboo stalks.
Two stalks of bamboo
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 竹
Pictograph of bamboo stalks.
- 1The giveawayTwo stalks of bamboo
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 竹? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 竹?
How to say bamboo in Chinese
“bamboo” in Chinese is竹
The character 竹 (zhú) refers to 'bamboo,' a plant widely used in Chinese culture for construction, crafts, and culinary purposes. It also symbolizes strength and resilience due to its flexibility and rapid growth, making it a common motif in art and literature.
When to use 竹
Be mindful of the context in which you use 竹; it is often used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 竹子 (bamboo), 竹筒 (bamboo tube), and 竹笛 (bamboo flute). Avoid confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words to prevent misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 竹 (bamboo) with similar characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 草 (cǎo, grass). For example, saying '我喜欢树' (I like trees) when referring to bamboo is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢竹.'
Write 竹
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 竹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 竹
竹 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.
Complete the Sentence
____笋是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Example Sentences for 竹 (10)
Word Family of 竹
Compound Meaning
What does 等 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 竹
竹 specifically refers to bamboo, while 草 means 'grass.' They belong to different plant categories, with bamboo being a woody plant.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 竹?
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.