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字典 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
字典zìdiǎndictionaryHSK 3, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #9272, Medium
字典zìdiǎncharacter dictionaryHSK 3, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #9272, Medium
zìdiǎn(zi4dian3)zi dian T4
  1. 1dictionary
  2. 2character dictionary
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March 24, 2026

字典zìdiǎn(zi4dian3)

字典 (zìdiǎn) refers to a dictionary, specifically a reference book that provides definitions, pronunciations, and usages of words and characters. It is commonly used by students, language learners, and professionals who want to understand and clarify language details.

Strokes14Frequency#9272DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, dictionaries have a long-standing importance, with historical texts often being used as references. The concept of maintaining a character dictionary reflects the value placed on literacy and education.

Memory Tip

Think of 字 (zì) as a character and 典 (diǎn) as a classic or standard. Imagine a library filled with classic books, each containing the characters of the language. This visual can help you recall that a 字典 is a collection of these character definitions.

Meanings of 字典

zìdiǎn(zi4dian3)
1dictionary
2character dictionary
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 字典

字典Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
本Measure Word
HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 字典

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Podcast: 字典

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AI Study Notes for 字典

Quick Contrast

词典 (cídiǎn) vs 字典 (zìdiǎn): 词典 typically refers to a dictionary focused on words and their meanings, while 字典 emphasizes characters and their usage.

Usage Notes

When using 字典, be mindful that it often refers specifically to printed dictionaries, while 词典 (cídiǎn) can refer to a broader category including online dictionaries. It's also common to say 查字典 (chá zìdiǎn) when you want to say 'look up in the dictionary.'

HSK Study Tips

This word is useful for learners at HSK Level 3 and above, as it connects with vocabulary related to studying and language. Focus on understanding how to use it in sentences and practice asking about word meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 字典 with 词典, but remember that 字典 is more specific to character dictionaries. For example, saying '我在用词典' (Wǒ zài yòng cídiǎn) instead of '我在用字典' (Wǒ zài yòng zìdiǎn) shows this mix-up.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 字典

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How Well Do You Know 字典?

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Component Characters

字zìletter
HSK 16 strokes子
View full entry
典diǎncanon
HSK 58 strokes八
View full entry

How to say dictionary in Chinese

“dictionary” in Chinese is字典zìdiǎn

字典 (zìdiǎn) refers to a dictionary, specifically a reference book that provides definitions, pronunciations, and usages of words and characters. It is commonly used by students, language learners, and professionals who want to understand and clarify language details.

When to use 字典

When using 字典, be mindful that it often refers specifically to printed dictionaries, while 词典 (cídiǎn) can refer to a broader category including online dictionaries. It's also common to say 查字典 (chá zìdiǎn) when you want to say 'look up in the dictionary.'

字典 or something close to it

词典 (cídiǎn) vs 字典 (zìdiǎn): 词典 typically refers to a dictionary focused on words and their meanings, while 字典 emphasizes characters and their usage.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 字典 with 词典, but remember that 字典 is more specific to character dictionaries. For example, saying '我在用词典' (Wǒ zài yòng cídiǎn) instead of '我在用字典' (Wǒ zài yòng zìdiǎn) shows this mix-up.

Write 字典

字
典

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 字典

You can say '我需要字典' (Wǒ xūyào zìdiǎn).

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