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驺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
驺zōumounted escort; groomg, 8 strokes, radical 马
驺zōusurname Zouunknown, 8 strokes, radical 马
zōu(Zou1) T1
  1. 1mounted escort; groom
Also a Chinese surname, Zou — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

驺(騶)zōu(Zou1)

The character 驺 (zōu) primarily refers to a mounted escort or groom, particularly in historical contexts where such roles were essential for accompanying dignitaries or travelers. It can also be a surname in Chinese culture, linking it to familial identity and heritage.

Strokes8Radical马
Cultural Note

In ancient China, mounted escorts played a significant role during ceremonies and travels, reflecting status and security. The use of this character is tied closely to the hierarchical structures of historical Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like zōu) where a groom is leading an elegant horse, showing off a mounted escort. The character has the 'horse' radical (马) on the right, emphasizing its connection to horses and riding.

Meanings of 驺

zōu(Zou1)
1mounted escort; groom
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 驺

驺Simplified
騶Traditional
8Strokes
马Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 驺

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Podcast: 驺

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 驺

Usage Notes

This term is quite formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often found in historical texts or literature related to royal or aristocratic contexts. Be careful with the tone; 'zōu' is first tone, which should be pronounced with a high, level pitch.

HSK Study Tips

Although 驺 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to the theme of transport and animals found in earlier levels. Students should connect it with other transport-related words and practice using it in historical narratives.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 驺 with similar-sounding words; for example, mistakenly saying 'zǒu' (走, to walk) instead of 'zōu'. Always remember that 驺 has a first tone, which is high and steady.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 驺

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Etymology of 驺

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

horse

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 驺

  1. 1The meaning half马 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half刍 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayhorse
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 驺? 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 驺?

Decomposition of 驺

IDS Structure⿰马刍
驺Full Character
=
马Ma3
left
刍chu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 驺?

How to say mounted escort; groom in Chinese

“mounted escort; groom” in Chinese is驺zōu

The character 驺 (zōu) primarily refers to a mounted escort or groom, particularly in historical contexts where such roles were essential for accompanying dignitaries or travelers. It can also be a surname in Chinese culture, linking it to familial identity and heritage.

When to use 驺

This term is quite formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often found in historical texts or literature related to royal or aristocratic contexts. Be careful with the tone; 'zōu' is first tone, which should be pronounced with a high, level pitch.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 驺 with similar-sounding words; for example, mistakenly saying 'zǒu' (走, to walk) instead of 'zōu'. Always remember that 驺 has a first tone, which is high and steady.

Write 驺

驺

Practice writing 驺 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 驺

Words Containing This Character1
驺zōusurname Zou騶
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 驺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 驺

In modern usage, 驺 is not commonly encountered and is mainly found in historical or literary contexts.

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