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March 24, 2026
绉(縐)zhòu(zhou4)
绉 (zhòu) refers to a type of fabric that resembles crepe or imitation silk, characterized by its textured surface. It can also describe wrinkles or creases in materials or even in skin. Commonly used in the context of fashion and textile discussions, it conveys an aesthetic quality as well as a physical texture.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese fashion, the use of 绉 fabric is popular for traditional garments like qipaos, emphasizing elegance and grace. The texture is valued for its ability to drape beautifully, reflecting the aesthetic appreciation in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a delicate fabric that looks like it’s been wrinkled intentionally, giving it a soft, flowing appearance. The character 绉 has a '绞' (jiǎo) component which suggests twisting or fabric, and '毛' (máo) representing fluffiness, helping you remember it relates to textured fabric.
Meanings of 绉
zhòu(zhou4)
1crepe, imitation silk; wrinkles, creases
2wrinkle
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 绉
绉Simplified
縐Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绉
Podcast: 绉
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AI Study Notes for 绉
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a delicate fabric that looks like it’s been wrinkled intentionally, giving it a soft, flowing appearance. The character 绉 has a '绞' (jiǎo) component which suggests twisting or fabric, and '毛' (máo) representing fluffiness, helping you remember it relates to textured fabric.
Usage Notes
Be careful to distinguish 绉 from similar terms related to fabric; it specifically implies a textured quality. It is often used in more formal contexts about textiles, so be cautious when using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 绉布 (zhòu bù - crepe fabric) and 绉纹 (zhòu wén - creases).
HSK Study Tips
While 绉 is not in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well to words about clothing and textiles found in HSK 3 and 4, such as 衣服 (yīfu - clothes) and 织 (zhī - to weave). Focus on how it can be used in descriptions of fabric types.
Cultural Note
In Chinese fashion, the use of 绉 fabric is popular for traditional garments like qipaos, emphasizing elegance and grace. The texture is valued for its ability to drape beautifully, reflecting the aesthetic appreciation in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绉 with similar sounding words like 皱 (zhòu), which specifically means 'wrinkle' without the fabric context. Ensure you use 绉 only when discussing textiles or fabrics.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绉
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Cultural Notes for 绉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese fashion, the use of 绉 fabric is popular for traditional garments like qipaos, emphasizing elegance and grace. The texture is valued for its ability to drape beautifully, reflecting the aesthetic appreciation in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 绉
Words Containing This Character2
文绉绉bookish文縐縐
绉zhòucrepe縐
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 文绉绉 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绉
The pronunciation is zhòu, with a falling tone.
Yes, it can also describe wrinkles or creases in materials.
It’s often used in discussions about clothing, fabrics, or even beauty, particularly when referring to textured surfaces.
