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March 24, 2026
齱zōu(zou1)
The character 齱 (zōu) refers to uneven or buck-toothed teeth. It describes a condition where the alignment of teeth is irregular, which can affect one's appearance and sometimes impact speech. This term is often used in discussions about dental health or aesthetics.
Strokes23Radical齒Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having well-aligned teeth is often associated with beauty and health, making the concept of 齱 particularly relevant in discussions about personal grooming and aesthetics.
Memory Tip
Think of 齱 (zōu) as a 'z' for zigzagging teeth. The component 齿 (teeth) is prominent, and you can imagine teeth sticking out in various directions like a zigzag line. Visualize a cartoon character with big, uneven teeth, making it easy to remember both the shape and the sound.
Meanings of 齱
zōu(zou1)
1uneven teeth; buck-toothed
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About 齱
齱Simplified
23Strokes
齒Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 齱
Podcast: 齱
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AI Study Notes for 齱
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 齱 (zōu) as a 'z' for zigzagging teeth. The component 齿 (teeth) is prominent, and you can imagine teeth sticking out in various directions like a zigzag line. Visualize a cartoon character with big, uneven teeth, making it easy to remember both the shape and the sound.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 齱, as it can have negative connotations regarding someone's appearance. This word is informal and may not be appropriate in formal contexts or when discussing someone's dental health directly. Common collocations include phrases like '齱牙' (buck-toothed).
HSK Study Tips
Although 齱 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects to topics around health and body vocabulary. Students at higher levels should focus on descriptive adjectives and related terms in dental health discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, having well-aligned teeth is often associated with beauty and health, making the concept of 齱 particularly relevant in discussions about personal grooming and aesthetics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 齱 with similar characters like 齿 (teeth) or 牙 (tooth). For instance, saying '我有齿' (I have teeth) instead of '我有齱' (I have uneven teeth) misses the nuance. Always ensure you understand the context before using this term.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 齱
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Cultural Notes for 齱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, having well-aligned teeth is often associated with beauty and health, making the concept of 齱 particularly relevant in discussions about personal grooming and aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions about 齱
No, 齱 is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it may appear more in medical or dental contexts.
Yes, using 齱 to describe someone's teeth can be seen as derogatory, so it's best to avoid it unless discussing dental issues in a clinical context.
A synonym could be '歪牙' (wāi yá), which also refers to crooked or misaligned teeth.