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March 24, 2026
笫zǐ(zi3)
The character 笫 (zǐ) refers to a type of mat, often made of bamboo, that is used for sleeping or resting. It can also denote bed boards or sleeping mats in a more general sense. This term is commonly used in contexts related to bedding and traditional sleeping arrangements in Chinese culture.
Strokes10Radical⺮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese households, the use of bamboo mats for sleeping is common in warmer climates, reflecting the practical use of natural materials in daily life. This practice connects to the broader concept of harmony with nature in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cozy bed (the bed boards) laid out with a bamboo mat that feels cool and refreshing. The character 笫 has a bamboo radical (竹) on the left, hinting at its material, while the right side can remind you of a mat laid out for a good night's sleep.
Meanings of 笫
zǐ(zi3)
1bed boards, sleeping mat
2bamboo mat
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 笫
笫Simplified
10Strokes
⺮Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 笫
Podcast: 笫
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AI Study Notes for 笫
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cozy bed (the bed boards) laid out with a bamboo mat that feels cool and refreshing. The character 笫 has a bamboo radical (竹) on the left, hinting at its material, while the right side can remind you of a mat laid out for a good night's sleep.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 笫 with similar characters, as it is less commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more likely to appear in literary or historical contexts. The pronunciation can also be tricky; ensure you use the correct tone (zǐ) to convey the right meaning.
HSK Study Tips
While 笫 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be related to HSK Level 3 words involving furniture or daily living (like 床 - chuáng, meaning 'bed'). Focus on understanding context and usage in literature or traditional references.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese households, the use of bamboo mats for sleeping is common in warmer climates, reflecting the practical use of natural materials in daily life. This practice connects to the broader concept of harmony with nature in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 笫 with similar characters like 席 (xí), which means 'mat' but is used more broadly. Remember that 笫 specifically refers to sleeping mats or bed boards.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 笫
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Cultural Notes for 笫
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese households, the use of bamboo mats for sleeping is common in warmer climates, reflecting the practical use of natural materials in daily life. This practice connects to the broader concept of harmony with nature in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 笫
Words Containing This Character2
笫zǐbed mat
床笫bed and bamboo sleeping mat
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 笫 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 笫
笫 typically refers to bamboo mats, but can also imply other sleeping mats or bed boards.
It is not commonly used in everyday conversation today, but may be found in historical texts or discussions about traditional bedding.
The correct pronunciation is zǐ, with a falling tone.
