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March 24, 2026
树(樹)shù(shu4)
The character 树 (shù) primarily means 'tree' and can also refer to the act of cultivating or establishing something. It is commonly used in both literal contexts, such as discussing plants and trees, and metaphorical contexts, like setting up a business or organization.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#1328DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, trees symbolize longevity and prosperity. For instance, planting a tree during the Spring Festival is a common practice, as it represents new beginnings and growth in the coming year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall tree (树) growing upwards, its branches reaching for the sky. The character itself resembles a tree with a trunk (木) and leaves (土) beneath it, which can help you remember its meaning. Visualize planting a tree and nurturing it to grow, linking it to 'cultivate' (shù).
Meanings of 树
shù(shu4)
1tree
2to cultivate
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 树
树Simplified
樹Traditional
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1328Frequency Rank
棵Measure Word
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 树
Podcast: 树
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AI Study Notes for 树
Quick Contrast
树 (shù) vs 棕榈 (zōnglǚ) — use 树 for general trees, and 棕榈 specifically for palm trees.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall tree (树) growing upwards, its branches reaching for the sky. The character itself resembles a tree with a trunk (木) and leaves (土) beneath it, which can help you remember its meaning. Visualize planting a tree and nurturing it to grow, linking it to 'cultivate' (shù).
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 树 (shù) with another character, 森 (sēn), which means 'forest' and consists of multiple trees. This word is neutral in tone, so it can be used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 树木 (shùmù, 'trees') and 种树 (zhòngshù, 'to plant trees').
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 树 connects well with other nature-related vocabulary like 花 (huā, 'flower') and 草 (cǎo, 'grass'). Students should focus on using it in sentences about the environment and practice its various meanings in context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, trees symbolize longevity and prosperity. For instance, planting a tree during the Spring Festival is a common practice, as it represents new beginnings and growth in the coming year.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget the correct pronunciation and say 'shu' instead of 'shù'. Additionally, they may confuse the character with others that include the '木' radical but have different meanings, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 树
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Grammar Patterns of 树
树 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.
The wind was bouncing the branches of the big oak trees.
5
树林上空飘浮着一股烟。
shù lín shàng kōng piāo fú zháo yī gǔ yān。
There was a drift of smoke above the trees.
6
一只鸫落在松树的树枝上。
yī zhī dōng luò zài sōng shù de shù zhī shàng。
A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree.
7
树冠在微风中婆娑摇曳。
shù guān zài wēi fēng zhōng pó suō yáo yè。
The tops of the trees rippled in the breeze.
8
灌木丛和树木在风中摇晃。
guàn mù cóng hé shù mù zài fēng zhōng yáo huǎng。
The bushes and trees were blowing in the wind.
9
那里有两棵柠檬树，我不禁驻足品味柠檬的芬芳。
nà lǐ yǒu liǎng kē níng méng shù， ， wǒ bù jīn zhù zú pǐn wèi níng méng de fēn。
There were two lemon trees and I paused to enjoy their perfume.
10
有几条路被倒下的树堵住了。
yǒu jī tiáo lù bèi dǎo xià de shù dǔ zhù le。
A number of roads have been blocked by fallen trees.
Cultural Notes for 树
💡Did you know?
在中国文化中，树象征着生命和坚韧。古代的诗歌常常用树来表达对自然的敬仰。
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, trees symbolize longevity and prosperity. For instance, planting a tree during the Spring Festival is a common practice, as it represents new beginnings and growth in the coming year.
Word Family of 树
Words Containing This Character20
树shùtree樹
树立shùlìto set up樹立
树林shùlínwoods樹林
树木shùmùtree樹木
圣诞树Christmas tree聖誕樹
树枝shùzhībranch樹枝
树叶shùyètree leaves樹葉
树脂resin樹脂
树丛thicket樹叢
果树guǒshùfruit tree果樹
松树sōngshùpine松樹
橡树oak橡樹
植树to plant trees植樹
树干tree trunk樹幹
树种tree species樹種
大树Tashu township in Kaohsiung county 高雄縣|高雄县[Gāoxióngxiàn], southwest Taiwan大樹
摇钱树a source of easy money (idiom)搖錢樹
独树一帜to stand out獨樹一幟
树根tree roots樹根
柳树liǔshùwillow柳樹
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 树 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 树
Yes, 树 can also mean 'to cultivate' in certain contexts. This usage might refer to growing plants or establishing something, like a business or idea.
The measure word for 树 (tree) is 棵 (kē). When counting trees, you would say '三棵树' (three trees) to specify the quantity correctly.
树 (shù) means 'tree' in Chinese. It can also refer to the act of cultivating or setting something up. In a sentence, you might say '这棵树很高' (This tree is very tall).
You can use 树 in various contexts, such as describing the physical characteristics of a tree or discussing gardening. For example, '我在公园里看到了很多树' (I saw many trees in the park) shows its use in describing a location.
树 refers to a single tree, while 森 means 'forest,' indicating multiple trees.
Yes, 树 can also mean to establish or set up something, like a plan or business.
