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簇 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
簇
cù
bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm
zg, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
crowded
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
framework for silkworms
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
gather foliage
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
簇
cù
classifier for bunched objects
unknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #25000, Very Hard
cù(cu4)cu T4
1bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm
2crowded
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March 24, 2026
簇cù(cu4)
The character 簇 (cù) refers to a bunch or cluster of items that are closely grouped together. It is commonly used to describe crowds or swarms, as well as in contexts where objects are bunched, like flowers or fruit. The character can also be used in technical contexts, such as frameworks for silkworm cultivation.
Strokes17Radical⺮Frequency#25000DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of gathering in clusters can be seen in the significance of family reunions during festivals like the Spring Festival, where families come together in large numbers, reminiscent of a '簇' of family members.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'cluster' of fluffy clouds (the radical '禾' suggests plants, while '木' can remind you of trees). Visualize these clouds gathering together in a 'bunch' to form a beautiful sky. The pronunciation 'cù' sounds like 'coo,' as in the sound that doves make when they gather in clusters.
Meanings of 簇
cù(cu4)
1bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm
2crowded
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 簇 means.
About 簇
簇Simplified
17Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 簇
Podcast: 簇
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AI Study Notes for 簇
Quick Contrast
束 (shù) - use 簇 (cù) for clusters or groups that are closely packed together, while 束 (shù) typically refers to a bundle or tied collection.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'cù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in written Chinese. Common collocations include 簇拥 (cùyōng), meaning to crowd around.
HSK Study Tips
Though not included in HSK levels, 簇 can be connected to vocabulary involving grouping or gathering, such as 群 (qún), meaning 'group.' Focus on using it in phrases that describe collections or gatherings to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 簇 with similar-sounding characters like 促 (cù), which means 'to urge' or 'to hasten.' Ensure you practice the tones to avoid confusion. For example, saying '我想要一个簇' (I want a cluster) instead of the correct '我想要一簇' (I want a bunch).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 簇
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How Well Do You Know 簇?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 簇 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.
簇 = ⺮ + 族. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 簇
IDS Structure⿱⺮族
簇Full character
=
⺮zhu2
top
族zu2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 簇?
How to say bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm in Chinese
“bunch, cluster; crowd, swarm” in Chinese is簇cù
The character 簇 (cù) refers to a bunch or cluster of items that are closely grouped together. It is commonly used to describe crowds or swarms, as well as in contexts where objects are bunched, like flowers or fruit. The character can also be used in technical contexts, such as frameworks for silkworm cultivation.
When to use 簇
Be cautious with the tone; 'cù' is pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This character is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's particularly common in written Chinese. Common collocations include 簇拥 (cùyōng), meaning to crowd around.
簇 or something close to it
束 (shù) - use 簇 (cù) for clusters or groups that are closely packed together, while 束 (shù) typically refers to a bundle or tied collection.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 簇 with similar-sounding characters like 促 (cù), which means 'to urge' or 'to hasten.' Ensure you practice the tones to avoid confusion. For example, saying '我想要一个簇' (I want a cluster) instead of the correct '我想要一簇' (I want a bunch).
Write 簇
簇
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Practice writing 簇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 簇
簇 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
插图上是一____杏橙色的玫瑰，一共5朵。
The illustration shows a cluster of five roses coloured apricot orange.
