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March 24, 2026
蚱zhà(zha4)
The character 蚱 (zhà) refers to a grasshopper or locust, which are insects known for their jumping abilities. It is commonly used in agricultural contexts, particularly when discussing pests that affect crops. The character can also encompass related insects like cicadas in certain contexts.
Strokes11Radical虫Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, grasshoppers have been part of traditional cuisine in some regions, especially during festivals. They symbolize abundance in some agricultural communities due to their presence in fields.
Memory Tip
Think of 蚱 as a grasshopper leaping through grass. The radical 虫 (insect) at the bottom suggests it is an insect, and the top part resembles a jumping figure. Picture a grasshopper's jump, which sounds like 'zhà,' to help remember its pronunciation.
Meanings of 蚱
zhà(zha4)
1grasshopper; locust, cicada
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 蚱
蚱Simplified
11Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蚱
Podcast: 蚱
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AI Study Notes for 蚱
Quick Contrast
蚂蚱 (mǎzhà, grasshopper) vs 蝗虫 (huángchóng, locust) — use 蚱 for general references to grasshoppers, while 蝗虫 specifically refers to locusts, often in agricultural contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 蚱 as a grasshopper leaping through grass. The radical 虫 (insect) at the bottom suggests it is an insect, and the top part resembles a jumping figure. Picture a grasshopper's jump, which sounds like 'zhà,' to help remember its pronunciation.
Usage Notes
When using 蚱, ensure it is contextually appropriate, as it can imply different insects based on regional dialects. It's typically more common in agricultural discussions rather than casual conversation. Be careful with the tone: zhà has a falling tone, which can be confused with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 蚱 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 2 and 3 words related to insects and nature. Students should focus on recognizing the insect radical 虫 and differentiating between similar-sounding words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, grasshoppers have been part of traditional cuisine in some regions, especially during festivals. They symbolize abundance in some agricultural communities due to their presence in fields.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蚱 (grasshopper) with other insect terms like 蟑螂 (zhāngláng - cockroach) or 蟋蟀 (xīshuài - cricket). It's important to remember that each character denotes a specific insect with different meanings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蚱
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Grammar Patterns of 蚱
蚱 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他画的____蜢,大红大绿,很像后期印象派的油画.
His way of painting cockscombs and peonies was quite different from that of other artists.
Example Sentences for 蚱 (3)
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1
他画的蚱蜢,大红大绿,很像后期印象派的油画.
tā huà de zhà měng, , dà hóng dà, lǜ , hěn xiàng hòu qī yìn xiàng pài de.
His way of painting cockscombs and peonies was quite different from that of other artists.
The cicada is stilled. The chorus of the cricket and katydid diminishes.
3
一条线拴俩蚂蚱.
yī tiáo xiàn shuān liǎng mǎ zhà.
The dooms of the two are closely linked.
Cultural Notes for 蚱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, grasshoppers have been part of traditional cuisine in some regions, especially during festivals. They symbolize abundance in some agricultural communities due to their presence in fields.
Word Family of 蚱
Words Containing This Character3
蚂蚱grasshopper螞蚱
蚱蜢grasshopper
蚱zhàgrasshopper
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 蚂蚱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蚱
It is pronounced as 'zhà' with a falling tone.
蚱 specifically refers to grasshoppers or locusts, while other characters like 蟋蟀 (xīshuài) refer to crickets.
It is more specialized and less commonly used in casual conversation; it’s more relevant in agricultural or ecological contexts.
