unknown, 16 strokes, radical 足, rank #44928, Very Hard
zhǒng(zhong3) T3
1heel; to follow; to visit, to call on
2to arrive
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March 24, 2026
踵zhǒng(zhong3)
The character 踵 (zhǒng) primarily means 'heel,' referring to the back part of the foot. It can also imply following or visiting someone, as in the context of arriving or calling on someone. This word is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses, such as 'to follow in someone's footsteps.'
Strokes16Radical足Frequency#44928DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, visiting someone is an important social practice, often linked to maintaining relationships and showing respect. This character can be seen in contexts such as formal visits during festivals or important occasions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person stepping on someone's heel (踵), which sounds like 'zhǒng.' Picture them following closely behind, highlighting both the physical and metaphorical meanings of the character. The foot (足) radical signifies its connection to movement and following.
Meanings of 踵
zhǒng(zhong3)
1heel; to follow; to visit, to call on
2to arrive
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 踵
踵Simplified
16Strokes
足Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 踵
Podcast: 踵
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AI Study Notes for 踵
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person stepping on someone's heel (踵), which sounds like 'zhǒng.' Picture them following closely behind, highlighting both the physical and metaphorical meanings of the character. The foot (足) radical signifies its connection to movement and following.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 踵 (zhǒng) with similar-sounding characters. It's more formal in contexts like invitations or visits, while informal use might be more casual. Common collocations include phrases that imply following or visiting someone.
HSK Study Tips
While 踵 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to movement and direction. Focus on using it in phrases that involve following or visiting, which can help solidify its meanings through context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, visiting someone is an important social practice, often linked to maintaining relationships and showing respect. This character can be seen in contexts such as formal visits during festivals or important occasions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 踵 as 'zhǒng' when they should focus on the tone. For example, saying it as 'zhong' (without the tone) is incorrect. Another mistake is using it in overly casual contexts where a more formal term is needed.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 踵
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Grammar Patterns of 踵
踵 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
这些奖只是个开始。其他激动人心的奖励还会接____而至。
These prizes are just for starters. Other exciting offers are flooding in.
These prizes are just for starters. Other exciting offers are flooding in.
Cultural Notes for 踵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, visiting someone is an important social practice, often linked to maintaining relationships and showing respect. This character can be seen in contexts such as formal visits during festivals or important occasions.
Word Family of 踵
Words Containing This Character8
接踵而来to come one after the other接踵而來
踵zhǒngheel
摩肩接踵a thronging crowd
接踵to follow on sb's heels
旋踵instantly
摩顶放踵to wear oneself out for the general good摩頂放踵
祸不旋踵trouble is never far away (idiom)禍不旋踵
延颈企踵to stand on tiptoe and crane one's neck (idiom); fig. to yearn for sth延頸企踵
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 接踵而来 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 踵
You could say '我去踵他家' (wǒ qù zhǒng tā jiā), meaning 'I will visit his home.'
It tends to be used more formally, especially in contexts that involve invitations or social visits.
Characters like 足 (zú) and 跟 (gēn) also share the foot radical, relating to movement and following.
