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轴 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
轴
zhóu
axle, pivot, shaft; axis
n, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhóu
Taiwan pr. [zhou2]
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhóu
spool (for thread)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhóu
roller (for scrolls)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhóu
classifier for calligraphy rolls etc
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhòu
axle, pivot, shaft; axis
n, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhòu
Taiwan pr. [zhou2]
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhòu
spool (for thread)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhòu
roller (for scrolls)
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
轴
zhòu
classifier for calligraphy rolls etc
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 车, rank #10086, Very Hard
zhóu(zhou2)zhou
primary
T2
1axle, pivot, shaft; axis
2Taiwan pr. [zhou2]
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
轴(軸)zhóu(zhou2)
The character 轴 (zhóu) refers to an axle or pivot, often used in mechanical contexts to describe a central shaft around which other parts rotate. It can also denote an axis in a more abstract sense, such as in geometry or discussions of balance and alignment. This term is common in both technical and everyday language when discussing motion or support structures.
Strokes9Radical车Frequency#10086DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of an 'axis' can symbolize balance and stability, reflecting traditional views on harmony in life and nature. The term is often used in discussions about both physical structures and philosophical ideas.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant wheel (the axle) that needs a strong central pole (the 轴) to keep it steady. The character 轴 resembles a wheel with a central axis, which helps you remember that it relates to rotation and support. Visualize a strong axle making a vehicle move smoothly.
Meanings of 轴
zhóu(zhou2)
primary
1axle, pivot, shaft; axis
2Taiwan pr. [zhou2]
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 轴 means.
About 轴
轴Simplified
軸Traditional
9Strokes
车Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 轴
Podcast: 轴
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AI study notes for 轴
Quick Contrast
轴 (zhóu) vs 轴心 (zhóuxīn) — use 轴 for the physical axle or pivot, while 轴心 refers specifically to the central point or axis around which rotation occurs.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone: 'zhóu' is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with 'zhou2' in Taiwan, meaning something different. In formal contexts, 轴 is often used in engineering or physics, while in everyday conversation, it may describe more general concepts of support and alignment.
HSK Study Tips
Although 轴 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, students should relate it to other words concerning mechanics and structure, such as 轮 (lún, wheel) or 支撑 (zhīchēng, support). Focusing on the context in which 轴 is used can enhance understanding of related terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the pronunciation with 'zhou2', which has different meanings. For example, saying '我买了一个轴' (Wǒ mǎile yī ge zhōu) incorrectly implies a different item; the correct use would be in contexts like machinery or structure.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 轴
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How well do you know 轴?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 轴 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.
轴 = 车 + 由. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 轴
IDS Structure⿰车由
轴Full character
=
车Che1
left
由you2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 轴?
How to say axle, pivot, shaft; axis in Chinese
“axle, pivot, shaft; axis” in Chinese is轴zhóu
The character 轴 (zhóu) refers to an axle or pivot, often used in mechanical contexts to describe a central shaft around which other parts rotate. It can also denote an axis in a more abstract sense, such as in geometry or discussions of balance and alignment. This term is common in both technical and everyday language when discussing motion or support structures.
When to use 轴
Be cautious with the tone: 'zhóu' is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with 'zhou2' in Taiwan, meaning something different. In formal contexts, 轴 is often used in engineering or physics, while in everyday conversation, it may describe more general concepts of support and alignment.
轴 or something close to it
轴 (zhóu) vs 轴心 (zhóuxīn) — use 轴 for the physical axle or pivot, while 轴心 refers specifically to the central point or axis around which rotation occurs.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the pronunciation with 'zhou2', which has different meanings. For example, saying '我买了一个轴' (Wǒ mǎile yī ge zhōu) incorrectly implies a different item; the correct use would be in contexts like machinery or structure.
Write 轴
轴
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Practice writing 轴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 轴
轴 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). It carries 5 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我用封蜡将卷____封好，并系上一根红丝带。
I covered the scroll in sealing wax, and affixed a red ribbon.
