unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
zhú
abbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
zhú
Buddhism (archaic)
unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
dǔ
India; bamboo; surname
nr, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
dǔ
surname Zhu
unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
dǔ
abbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺
dǔ
Buddhism (archaic)
unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
dǔ(du3)
primary
T3
1India; bamboo; surname
2abbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
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March 24, 2026
竺dǔ(du3)
The character 竺 (dǔ) primarily refers to India and is often used in historical or cultural contexts, particularly in relation to Buddhism. It can also denote bamboo and is a surname, indicating its versatility in usage within different contexts, especially in literary or classical references.
Strokes8Radical⺮Frequency#82543DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 竺 was often associated with the introduction of Buddhism from India, and it played a significant role in the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, influencing Chinese philosophy and arts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bamboo plant standing tall, representing India, where Buddhism flourished. The character 竺 resembles a tall bamboo stalk (竹) with an additional element, symbolizing the depth of India's cultural heritage.
Meanings of 竺
dǔ(du3)
primary
1India; bamboo; surname
2abbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 竺
竺Simplified
8Strokes
⺮Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 竺
Podcast: 竺
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AI Study Notes for 竺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bamboo plant standing tall, representing India, where Buddhism flourished. The character 竺 resembles a tall bamboo stalk (竹) with an additional element, symbolizing the depth of India's cultural heritage.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 竺 with similar sounding characters like 笃 (dǔ), which has a different meaning. It is typically used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation, making it more formal. Common collocations include references to Buddhism or ancient texts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 竺 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK-level words related to culture and geography. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and its relationship with Buddhism to enrich their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, 竺 was often associated with the introduction of Buddhism from India, and it played a significant role in the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, influencing Chinese philosophy and arts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 竺 with 笃 (dǔ), leading to incorrect usage in sentences related to India or Buddhism. For example, saying '我去笃看寺庙' (I go to dǔ to see the temple) should be corrected to '我去竺看寺庙'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 竺
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Practice writing 竺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 竺
竺 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 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 2
Complete the Sentence
这是天____葵和矮牵牛盛开的时节。
This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.
Example Sentences for 竺 (2)
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1
这是天竺葵和矮牵牛盛开的时节。
zhè shì tiān zhú kuí hé ǎi qiān niú shèng kāi de shí jié。
This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.
2
鲜艳的红色和粉色的天竺葵从我家的阳台上直挂下去。
xiān yàn de hóng sè hé fěn sè de tiān zhú kuí cóng wǒ jiā de yáng tái shàng zhí guà xià qù。
Vivid red and pink geraniums cascade over my balcony.
Cultural Notes for 竺
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, 竺 was often associated with the introduction of Buddhism from India, and it played a significant role in the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, influencing Chinese philosophy and arts.
Word Family of 竺
Words Containing This Character6
天竺the Indian subcontinent (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
竺dǔsurname Zhu
天竺鼠cavy
天竺葵geranium (Pelargonium hortorum)
竺可桢Zhu Kezhen (1890-1974), Chinese metereologist and geologist竺可楨
竺法Buddhist doctrine
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 天竺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 竺
竺 refers to India and is often associated with Buddhism and bamboo.
Yes, it is a less common surname in China.
It often appears in classical literature and Buddhist scriptures to denote India or Buddhist concepts.
