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箸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
箸zhùchopstickszg, 14 strokes, radical ⺮
zhù(zhu4) T4
  1. 1chopsticks
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

箸(筯)zhù(zhu4)

The character 箸 (zhù) refers specifically to chopsticks, which are a traditional utensil used in Chinese cuisine for eating and serving food. While commonly used in everyday dining, this term can also be found in formal contexts such as menus and cooking classes.

Strokes14Radical⺮
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, chopsticks are not just utensils but also symbolize respect and tradition. The way chopsticks are placed on the table can convey good manners, such as not sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, which resembles funeral rituals.

Memory Tip

Imagine two sticks (the components of the character: bamboo and to hold) that are used to pick up food. 'Zhù' sounds like 'chew,' which reminds you that you use chopsticks to bring food to your mouth for chewing.

Meanings of 箸

zhù(zhu4)
1chopsticks
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 箸

箸Simplified
筯Traditional
14Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 箸

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Podcast: 箸

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 箸

Quick Contrast

筷子 (kuàizi) - Use 箸 (zhù) in formal contexts, while 筷子 (kuàizi) is more commonly used in casual conversation.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that '箸' is less commonly used than its variant '筷子' (kuàizi) in daily conversation. It's more formal, so use it in writing or when discussing traditional dining practices. Correct pronunciation is crucial; mispronouncing it as 'zhu4' can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Although not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding '箸' can enhance your knowledge of dining-related terms. Focus on the connection between '箸' and other meal-related vocabulary, like '饭' (fàn, rice) and '菜' (cài, dishes).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '箸' with '筷子' (kuàizi), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我用箸吃饭' (Wǒ yòng zhù chīfàn) is less common; instead, use '筷子' for everyday contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 箸

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Etymology of 箸

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)者
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 箸

  1. 1The meaning half⺮ carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half者 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybamboo
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 箸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 箸?

Decomposition of 箸

IDS Structure⿱⺮者
箸Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
者zhe3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 箸?

How to say chopsticks in Chinese

“chopsticks” in Chinese is箸zhù

The character 箸 (zhù) refers specifically to chopsticks, which are a traditional utensil used in Chinese cuisine for eating and serving food. While commonly used in everyday dining, this term can also be found in formal contexts such as menus and cooking classes.

When to use 箸

Be mindful that '箸' is less commonly used than its variant '筷子' (kuàizi) in daily conversation. It's more formal, so use it in writing or when discussing traditional dining practices. Correct pronunciation is crucial; mispronouncing it as 'zhu4' can lead to confusion.

箸 or something close to it

筷子 (kuàizi) - Use 箸 (zhù) in formal contexts, while 筷子 (kuàizi) is more commonly used in casual conversation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '箸' with '筷子' (kuàizi), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我用箸吃饭' (Wǒ yòng zhù chīfàn) is less common; instead, use '筷子' for everyday contexts.

Write 箸

箸

Practice writing 箸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 箸

Words Containing This Character2
箸zhùvariant of 箸[zhù]筯
借箸lit. to borrow chopsticks
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 箸 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 箸

'箸' is more formal and may not be used as frequently as '筷子' (kuàizi), which is the common term for chopsticks in daily life.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 箸?

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.