HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #4813, Very Hard
罩
zhào
fish trap (basket)
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #4813, Very Hard
罩
zhào
shade
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #4813, Very Hard
罩
zhào
cover, shroud; basket for catching fish
HSK 7, v, 13 strokes, radical 罒, rank #4813, Very Hard
zhào(zhao4)zhao T4
1cover
2fish trap (basket)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
罩zhào(zhao4)
The character 罩 (zhào) primarily means 'to cover' or 'to shield.' It can refer to physical objects that provide shade or protection, such as a cover for a pot or a shroud. Additionally, it has a specific usage in describing a type of fish trap or basket used in fishing.
Strokes13Radical罒Frequency#4813DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of protection is often emphasized, particularly in traditional practices like using a罩 (zhào) to shield ancestors' graves or during festivals. The use of fish traps also reflects the importance of fishing as a source of sustenance historically.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, protective罩 (zhào) shield that covers you from the rain. The shape of the character resembles a dome, suggesting protection or coverage. Picture yourself under this dome, safe and dry, while the rain pours down around you.
Meanings of 罩
zhào(zhao4)
1cover
2fish trap (basket)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 罩 means.
About 罩
罩Simplified
13Strokes
罒Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4813Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 罩
Podcast: 罩
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AI Study Notes for 罩
Quick Contrast
罩 (zhào) vs 遮 (zhē) — use 罩 for covers or shields, while 遮 focuses on blocking light or visibility.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 罩 in different contexts, as it can imply various types of coverage. It is generally used in more formal contexts, and common collocations include 罩住 (zhào zhù, to cover up) or 遮罩 (zhē zhào, mask). Note the tonal distinction, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 罩 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be connected to Level 3 vocabulary like 遮 (zhē, to cover) and 蓋 (gài, to cover). Students should focus on understanding its physical and abstract meanings to expand their vocabulary related to protection and coverage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 罩 with similar characters like 罩住 (zhào zhù) and 遮 (zhē). For instance, saying 罩住 instead of 遮住 when referring to a mask can lead to incorrect meanings. Always remember that 罩 focuses on the action of covering or shielding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 罩
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How Well Do You Know 罩?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 罩 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.
罩 = 罒 + 卓. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 罩
IDS Structure⿱罒卓
罩Full Character
=
罒wang3
top
卓Zhuo2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 罩?
How to say cover in Chinese
“cover” in Chinese is罩zhào
The character 罩 (zhào) primarily means 'to cover' or 'to shield.' It can refer to physical objects that provide shade or protection, such as a cover for a pot or a shroud. Additionally, it has a specific usage in describing a type of fish trap or basket used in fishing.
When to use 罩
Be cautious when using 罩 in different contexts, as it can imply various types of coverage. It is generally used in more formal contexts, and common collocations include 罩住 (zhào zhù, to cover up) or 遮罩 (zhē zhào, mask). Note the tonal distinction, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar sounding words.
罩 or something close to it
罩 (zhào) vs 遮 (zhē) — use 罩 for covers or shields, while 遮 focuses on blocking light or visibility.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 罩 with similar characters like 罩住 (zhào zhù) and 遮 (zhē). For instance, saying 罩住 instead of 遮住 when referring to a mask can lead to incorrect meanings. Always remember that 罩 focuses on the action of covering or shielding.
Write 罩
罩
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Practice writing 罩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 罩
罩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
两个机____的防水深度均为两米。
Both housings are waterproof to a depth of two metres.
Example Sentences for 罩 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
两个机罩的防水深度均为两米。
liǎng gè jī zhào de fáng shuǐ shēn dù jūn wéi liǎng mǐ。
Both housings are waterproof to a depth of two metres.
