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March 24, 2026
酌zhuó(zhuo2)
The character 酌 (zhuó) refers to the act of pouring or drinking wine, often in a social context. It can also imply a sense of deliberation or careful consideration, especially when making decisions or judgments. This dual meaning highlights both the physical act of enjoying a drink and the mental process of thoughtful contemplation.
Strokes10Radical酉Frequency#23511DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 酌 (zhuó) during a meal or gathering often signifies respect and camaraderie, as pouring wine for others is a traditional gesture of friendship and hospitality. The ritual of toasting is also deeply embedded in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Think of 酌 (zhuó) as a combination of 'wine' (the radical 酉) and 'to pour' (the phonetic component 卓). Imagine a scene where a person is pouring wine into a glass while deep in thought about an important decision, blending the ideas of both drinking and deliberation.
Meanings of 酌
zhuó(zhuo2)
1to pour wine
2to drink wine
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 酌
酌Simplified
10Strokes
酉Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#23511Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酌
Podcast: 酌
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AI Study Notes for 酌
Quick Contrast
饮 (yǐn) vs 酌 (zhuó): Choose 酌 when emphasizing the act of pouring or serving, particularly in a social context, rather than just drinking.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 酌 (zhuó) as a combination of 'wine' (the radical 酉) and 'to pour' (the phonetic component 卓). Imagine a scene where a person is pouring wine into a glass while deep in thought about an important decision, blending the ideas of both drinking and deliberation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 酌 with similar characters related to drinking, such as 饮 (yǐn), which means 'to drink' more generally. It's important to use 酌 in contexts that emphasize the act of pouring and savoring wine rather than simply consuming beverages. Register is typically informal, suited for social gatherings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 酌 is not listed in the HSK levels, understanding this character can enhance vocabulary related to social customs and drinking culture in China. Students should focus on its nuances and practice using it in sentences about gatherings and decision-making.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 酌 (zhuó) during a meal or gathering often signifies respect and camaraderie, as pouring wine for others is a traditional gesture of friendship and hospitality. The ritual of toasting is also deeply embedded in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 酌 in contexts where 饮 would be more appropriate, like saying '我想酌水' (I want to drink water) instead of '我想喝水'. Remember, 酌 implies a specific context of pouring wine or thoughtful consideration.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酌
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Grammar Patterns of 酌
酌 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 4
Complete the Sentence
确定你是否有权____情行事。
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Example Sentences for 酌 (7)
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1
确定你是否有权酌情行事。
què dìng nǐ shì fǒu yǒu quán zhuó qíng háng shì。
Check whether you are entitled to a discretionary grant for your course.
2
她讲话时斟酌再三，说得非常慢。
tā jiǎng huà shí zhēn zhuó zài sān， ， shuō dé fēi cháng。
She spoke very slowly, weighing what she would say.
He said the words very slowly, as if weighing each one of them.
5
我们必须将所得利润酌留百分之五作为损耗费.
wǒ mén bì xū jiāng suǒ dé lì rùn zhuó liú bǎi fēn zhī wǔ zuò wéi sǔn hào fèi.
We have to allow five per cent of our profit for tear and wear.
6
每6份酌加约75毫升（3液盎司）。
měi6 6 fèn zhuó jiā75 yuē 75（3 háo shēng （3）。
Allow about 75ml (3fl oz) per six servings.
7
他们的客人在游廊里浅酌着美酒。
tā mén de kè rén zài yóu láng lǐ qiǎn zhuó zháo měi jiǔ。
Their guests sipped drinks on the veranda.
Cultural Notes for 酌
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of 酌 (zhuó) during a meal or gathering often signifies respect and camaraderie, as pouring wine for others is a traditional gesture of friendship and hospitality. The ritual of toasting is also deeply embedded in social interactions.
Word Family of 酌
Words Containing This Character14
酌zhuóto pour wine
斟酌zhēnzhuóto consider
酌情zhuóqíngto use discretion
字斟句酌weighing every word
小酌to have a drink
酌量to consider
酌定to decide after intense deliberation
酌予to give as one sees fit
参酌to deliberate參酌
商酌to deliberate
对酌to sit face-to-face and drink對酌
酌酒to pour wine
酌办to do as one thinks fit酌辦
便酌informal dinner
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 酌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 酌
酌 specifically refers to pouring and savoring wine, while 饮 is a more general term for drinking any liquid.
It's primarily used in informal settings, particularly during social gatherings involving wine.
While it commonly refers to wine, it can also metaphorically relate to thoughtful consideration.
