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March 24, 2026
纵(縱)zòng(zong4)
The character 纵 (zòng) primarily means 'to release' or 'to indulge', but it also refers to the concept of 'vertical' or 'lengthwise', especially in contexts such as weaving where it describes the vertical threads. It can imply giving free rein to something or someone, as in allowing them to act without restraint. In geographical terms, it relates to the north-south orientation of lines of longitude.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#13429DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, understanding the concept of 纵 is essential as it directly relates to the craftsmanship of textiles, which is a significant part of Chinese heritage. The concept also ties into philosophies of allowing freedom in one's life and choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, vertical thread (纵) being released from a spool, representing the concept of indulgence and freedom. The character's two components, '纵' can remind you of a long path or line that extends vertically, emphasizing its connection to length and verticality.
Meanings of 纵
zòng(zong4)
1warp (the vertical threads in weaving)
2vertical
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 纵
纵Simplified
縱Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13429Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 纵
Podcast: 纵
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AI Study Notes for 纵
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 纵 with similar characters like 縱 (also pronounced zòng but used in different contexts). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its nuanced meanings in different phrases. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as a slip could change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 纵 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other words relating to direction and dimensions. Students should focus on its dual meanings of indulgence and verticality, especially in contexts involving physical or abstract release.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纵 with the character 纵然 (zòngrán), which means 'even if'. For example, saying '我纵然去' instead of '我纵去' for 'I will indulge in going' is incorrect; the first means 'even if I go'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纵
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Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 从 represents the sound. Simplified form of 縱.
1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
2The sound half从 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaythread
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 纵? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 纵?
Decomposition of 纵
IDS Structure⿰纟从
纵Full Character
=
纟si1
left
从Cong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 纵?
How to say warp (the vertical threads in weaving) in Chinese
“warp (the vertical threads in weaving)” in Chinese is纵zòng
The character 纵 (zòng) primarily means 'to release' or 'to indulge', but it also refers to the concept of 'vertical' or 'lengthwise', especially in contexts such as weaving where it describes the vertical threads. It can imply giving free rein to something or someone, as in allowing them to act without restraint. In geographical terms, it relates to the north-south orientation of lines of longitude.
When to use 纵
Common mistakes include confusing 纵 with similar characters like 縱 (also pronounced zòng but used in different contexts). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its nuanced meanings in different phrases. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as a slip could change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 纵 with the character 纵然 (zòngrán), which means 'even if'. For example, saying '我纵然去' instead of '我纵去' for 'I will indulge in going' is incorrect; the first means 'even if I go'.
Write 纵
纵
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Practice writing 纵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 纵
纵 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 9 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.
