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) T4
1cover
2fish trap (basket)
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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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2The sound half卓 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaynet
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 罩? 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 罩?
Decomposition of 罩
IDS Structure⿱罒卓
罩Full Character
=
罒wang3
top
卓Zhuo2
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
Complete the Sentence
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 (10)
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.
