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March 24, 2026
猪(豬)zhū(zhu1)
The character 猪 (zhū) refers to a pig or hog, commonly associated with livestock and farming. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions relating to gluttony or indulgence. In Chinese culture, the pig is one of the twelve zodiac animals, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Strokes11Radical犭Frequency#1403DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, pigs are often seen as symbols of wealth and abundance, especially during the Lunar New Year when pig-themed decorations and foods are common. The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is considered a lucky year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, round pig (猪) rolling in the mud, making a 'zhū' sound as it goes. The character's form resembles a pig's body with a big belly, emphasizing its round shape and gluttonous nature.
Meanings of 猪
zhū(zhu1)
1hog
2pig
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 猪
猪Simplified
豬Traditional
11Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1403Frequency Rank
口Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 猪
Podcast: 猪
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AI Study Notes for 猪
Quick Contrast
猪 (zhū) vs 兔 (tù) — choose 猪 when referring to pigs, while 兔 refers specifically to rabbits.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 猪; it's pronounced with a high level tone (zhū). Common collocations include phrases like 猪肉 (zhūròu, 'pork') and 猪圈 (zhūjuàn, 'pigpen'). This term is generally informal, so avoid using it in overly formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 猪 connects with other food-related terms and animal names. Focus on expanding your vocabulary related to agriculture and food, as well as idiomatic expressions that include this character.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 猪 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, some might say 'zhū' instead of the correct 'zhū' when using it in sentences. Always double-check your tones to avoid confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 猪
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Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 者 represents the sound. Simplified form of 豬.
1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
2The sound half者 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayanimal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 猪? 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 猪?
Decomposition of 猪
IDS Structure⿰犭者
猪Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
者zhe3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 猪?
How to say hog in Chinese
“hog” in Chinese is猪zhū
The character 猪 (zhū) refers to a pig or hog, commonly associated with livestock and farming. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions relating to gluttony or indulgence. In Chinese culture, the pig is one of the twelve zodiac animals, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
When to use 猪
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 猪; it's pronounced with a high level tone (zhū). Common collocations include phrases like 猪肉 (zhūròu, 'pork') and 猪圈 (zhūjuàn, 'pigpen'). This term is generally informal, so avoid using it in overly formal contexts.
猪 or something close to it
猪 (zhū) vs 兔 (tù) — choose 猪 when referring to pigs, while 兔 refers specifically to rabbits.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 猪 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, some might say 'zhū' instead of the correct 'zhū' when using it in sentences. Always double-check your tones to avoid confusion.
Write 猪
猪
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Practice writing 猪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 猪
猪 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我们惊动了一只一直在路边觅食的野____。
We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.
Common Confusions with 猪
猪vs助
zhù
Similar sound but different usage.
猪vs珠
zhū
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "hog"?
or
Usage Notes for 猪
Confusing with other animalsCommon Error
Students often confuse 猪 with other farm animals like 牛 (cow) or 羊 (sheep).
1
我喜欢吃猪肉，而不是牛肉。
I like to eat pork, not beef.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
我喜欢吃____肉，而不是牛肉。
I like to eat pork, not beef.
Example Sentences for 猪 (14)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们惊动了一只一直在路边觅食的野猪。
wǒ mén jīng dòng le yī zhī yī zhí zài lù biān mì shí de yě zhū。
We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.
Due to the strong breeding ability of hogs, farmers have a high demand for them.
13
古代的中国人认为猪象征着财富。
Gǔdài de Zhōngguó rén rènwéi zhū xiàngzhēngzhe cáifù.
Ancient Chinese believed that hogs symbolized wealth.
14
这头猪已经长到一百公斤重了。
Zhè tóu zhū yǐjīng zhǎng dào yībǎi gōngjīn zhòng le.
This hog has already grown to weigh 100 kilograms.
Word Family of 猪
Compounds3
橥zhu1a wooden peg, post, or stick
潴zhu1pond, pool
蕏
Words Containing This Character16
猪zhūhog豬
猪肉pork豬肉
猪头pig head豬頭
野猪wild boar (Sus scrofa)野豬
猪排pork ribs豬排
仔猪piglet仔豬
猪油lard豬油
猪圈pigsty (lit. and fig.)豬圈
猪蹄pig trotters豬蹄
猪八戒Pigsy in Arthur Waley's translation豬八戒
猪场piggery豬場
猪年Year of the Boar (e.g. 2007)豬年
乳猪suckling pig乳豬
豪猪porcupine豪豬
毛猪live pig毛豬
猪狗不如lower than low豬狗不如
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 橥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 猪
Yes, there are several idioms that include the character 猪. One popular example is '猪八戒' (Zhū Bājiè), which refers to a famous character from the classic novel 'Journey to the West.' This term is often used colloquially to describe someone who is gluttonous or lazy.
Pigs hold a significant place in Chinese culture, often symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and fertility. The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is associated with good fortune and abundance, making pigs culturally important during celebrations and festivals.
猪 (zhū) means 'pig' in Chinese. It is commonly used to refer to domestic pigs as well as swine in general. This character is part of everyday vocabulary and can be found in various contexts, including food and culture.
You can use 猪 (zhū) in a sentence like '我喜欢吃猪肉' (Wǒ xǐhuān chī zhūròu), which means 'I like to eat pork.' This character can also be used in idiomatic expressions or when discussing animals in a farm context.
You can say '我喜欢吃猪肉' (Wǒ xǐhuān chī zhūròu), which means 'I like to eat pork.'
Yes, the term for wild boar is 野猪 (yězhū), where 野 means 'wild.'
One common idiom is 猪八戒 (Zhū Bājiè), referring to a character from 'Journey to the West' who is often viewed humorously.
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