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蛀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蛀zhùtermite, bookworm; to bore, to eat intov, 11 strokes, radical 虫, rank #20536, Very Hard
蛀zhùto bore (of insects)unknown, 11 strokes, radical 虫, rank #20536, Very Hard
zhù(zhu4)zhu T4
  1. 1termite, bookworm; to bore, to eat into
  2. 2to bore (of insects)
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March 24, 2026

蛀zhù(zhu4)

The character 蛀 (zhù) primarily refers to a type of pest, specifically a termite or bookworm, which is known for boring into wood or paper. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to bore' or 'to eat into,' often in the context of insects damaging materials.

Strokes11Radical虫Frequency#20536DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, pests like termites are often viewed with concern due to their potential to damage homes and important documents, reflecting a broader respect for property and preservation.

Memory tip

Imagine a tiny termite, with its large jaws, 'bore' into a wooden book, making it a 'bookworm.' The character 蛀 has the insect radical 虫, which visually represents bugs, while the phonetic part sounds like 'zhù,' reminiscent of the sound a woodpecker might make while searching for insects in wood.

Meanings of 蛀

zhù(zhu4)
1termite, bookworm; to bore, to eat into
2to bore (of insects)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 蛀

蛀Simplified
11Strokes
虫Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蛀

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Podcast: 蛀

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AI study notes for 蛀

Quick Contrast

蛀 (zhù) vs 侵 (qīn) — use 蛀 specifically for pests boring into materials, while 侵 refers more broadly to invasion or encroachment.

Usage Notes

This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing pests. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words. Remember that this word is often used in a negative context, so be mindful of its implications.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蛀 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected with other HSK words related to insects and damage, such as 虫 (chóng) for 'bug.' Focus on its usage in context to enhance your understanding of pest-related vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蛀 with other similar characters like 蛰 (zhé), which means to sting or to be stung. Remember that 蛀 specifically refers to boring or eating into, particularly by insects.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蛀

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Etymology of 蛀

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 主 represents the sound.

Memory hint

insect

Semantic (meaning)虫
+
Phonetic (sound)主
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

蛀 = 虫 + 主. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 蛀

IDS Structure⿰虫主
蛀Full character
=
虫chong2
left
主zhu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 蛀?

How to say termite, bookworm; to bore, to eat into in Chinese

“termite, bookworm; to bore, to eat into” in Chinese is蛀zhù

The character 蛀 (zhù) primarily refers to a type of pest, specifically a termite or bookworm, which is known for boring into wood or paper. It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to bore' or 'to eat into,' often in the context of insects damaging materials.

When to use 蛀

This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing pests. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words. Remember that this word is often used in a negative context, so be mindful of its implications.

蛀 or something close to it

蛀 (zhù) vs 侵 (qīn) — use 蛀 specifically for pests boring into materials, while 侵 refers more broadly to invasion or encroachment.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 蛀 with other similar characters like 蛰 (zhé), which means to sting or to be stung. Remember that 蛀 specifically refers to boring or eating into, particularly by insects.

Write 蛀

蛀

Practice writing 蛀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 蛀

蛀 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 2 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.

牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿____蚀和牙龈疾病。

When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Example sentences for 蛀 (4)

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1
牙斑如果不清除就会导致牙齿蛀蚀和牙龈疾病。

yá bān rúguǒ bù qīngchú jiù huì dǎozhì yáchǐ zhù shí hé yá kěn jíbìng。

When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
2
这棵树被虫子蛀空了.

zhè kē shù bèi chóngzi zhù kōng le.

This tree has been eaten hollow by worms.
3
这些木梁被蛀虫蛀得都是洞。

zhèxiē mù liáng bèi zhù chóng zhù de dōushì dòng。

The beams are riddled with woodworm.
4
蛀虫将我的羊毛衫蛀蚀了几个小洞.

zhù chóng jiāng wǒ de yángmáo shān zhù shí le jǐ gè xiǎo dòng.

The moths have eaten holes in my wool coat.

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Word Family of 蛀

Words containing this character4
蛀zhùtermite
蛀虫fig. vermin蛀蟲
蛀牙tooth decay
蛀蚀to corrupt蛀蝕
Exercise 1 of 3

Words with 蛀

What does 蛀虫 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 蛀

Some synonyms include 虫蛀 (chóng zhù), which emphasizes the action of pests boring into materials.

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