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阼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
阼zuòthe steps leading to the eastern doorg, 7 strokes, radical 阝
阼zuòsteps leading to the eastern doorunknown, 7 strokes, radical 阝
zuò(zuo4) T4
  1. 1the steps leading to the eastern door
  2. 2steps leading to the eastern door
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

阼zuò(zuo4)

The character 阼 (zuò) refers specifically to the steps or stairs leading to the eastern door of a building. It is often used in literary or historical contexts, embodying both a physical structure and a symbolic pathway, as doors often represent transitions or new beginnings.

Strokes7Radical阝
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, doors are significant, often symbolizing harmony and prosperity. The eastern door is particularly auspicious, associated with the rising sun and new beginnings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a grand old house with a majestic eastern door. The steps leading up to it are called 阼 (zuò). Visualize the Chinese character: the radical 阝 (a hill or mound) hints at 'steps' while the rest represents the pathway towards enlightenment or new opportunities.

Meanings of 阼

zuò(zuo4)
1the steps leading to the eastern door
2steps leading to the eastern door
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 阼

阼Simplified
7Strokes
阝Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 阼

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Podcast: 阼

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AI Study Notes for 阼

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the pronunciation, as the tone is crucial; it is pronounced with a falling tone (zuò). This word is more formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It often appears in classical literature or poetry.

HSK Study Tips

Even though 阼 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it helps learners appreciate classical texts and cultural references. Focus on recognizing the character's structure and remembering its context in historical literature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 阼 (zuò) with similar-sounding characters due to its unique pronunciation. For instance, some might mistakenly use 'zuó' instead of 'zuò', which alters the meaning entirely. Always remember the correct tone to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 阼

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Etymology of 阼

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

hill

Semantic (meaning)阝
+
Phonetic (sound)乍
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 阼

  1. 1The meaning half阝 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half乍 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayhill
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 阼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 阼?

Decomposition of 阼

IDS Structure⿰阝乍
阼Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
乍zha4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 阼?

How to say the steps leading to the eastern door in Chinese

“the steps leading to the eastern door” in Chinese is阼zuò

The character 阼 (zuò) refers specifically to the steps or stairs leading to the eastern door of a building. It is often used in literary or historical contexts, embodying both a physical structure and a symbolic pathway, as doors often represent transitions or new beginnings.

When to use 阼

Be cautious with the pronunciation, as the tone is crucial; it is pronounced with a falling tone (zuò). This word is more formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It often appears in classical literature or poetry.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 阼 (zuò) with similar-sounding characters due to its unique pronunciation. For instance, some might mistakenly use 'zuó' instead of 'zuò', which alters the meaning entirely. Always remember the correct tone to avoid confusion.

Write 阼

阼

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 阼

Words Containing This Character1
阼zuòsteps leading to the eastern door
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 阼 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 阼

While 阼 refers to steps leading to the eastern door, it is more commonly found in historical texts than in modern usage.

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