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竹子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
竹子zhúzibambooHSK 5, n, 9 strokes, rank #14118, Hard
zhúzi(zhu2zi5) T2
  1. 1bamboo
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

竹子zhúzi(zhu2zi5)

竹子 (zhú zi) refers to bamboo, a type of fast-growing grass that is commonly found in Asia. It is significant in various contexts, including construction, crafts, and cuisine, often symbolizing resilience and flexibility in Chinese culture.

Strokes9Frequency#14118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Bamboo holds a deep cultural significance in China, representing strength and integrity. It is often featured in traditional art and poetry, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a person.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall, green bamboo shoot standing strong in the wind. The character 竹 (zhú) looks like a tall stalk with leaves at the top, while 子 (zi) can remind you of a small child. Picture a child playing hide and seek among tall bamboo, emphasizing its height and significance.

Meanings of 竹子

zhúzi(zhu2zi5)
1bamboo
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 竹子

竹子Simplified
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14118Frequency Rank
棵Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 竹子

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Podcast: 竹子

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AI Study Notes for 竹子

Quick Contrast

竹 (bamboo) vs 竹竿 (bamboo pole) — choose 竹子 for the plant itself, while 竹竿 refers specifically to a pole made from bamboo.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tones when using 竹子 (zhú zi), as mispronouncing them can alter meanings. Common collocations include 竹子林 (bamboo forest) and 竹制品 (bamboo products). This term is generally informal, suitable for everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 竹子 (zhú zi) connects with themes of nature and materials. Students should practice using it in sentences related to gardening or crafting, and familiarize themselves with its various classifiers like 棵 (kē) and 根 (gēn).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, mistakenly saying 'zhu3 zi' instead of 'zhu2 zi.' Additionally, some may use the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一根竹子' instead of the correct '一棵竹子.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 竹子

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Component Characters

竹zhúbamboo
HSK 66 strokes竹
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say bamboo in Chinese

“bamboo” in Chinese is竹子zhúzi

竹子 (zhú zi) refers to bamboo, a type of fast-growing grass that is commonly found in Asia. It is significant in various contexts, including construction, crafts, and cuisine, often symbolizing resilience and flexibility in Chinese culture.

When to use 竹子

Be cautious with the tones when using 竹子 (zhú zi), as mispronouncing them can alter meanings. Common collocations include 竹子林 (bamboo forest) and 竹制品 (bamboo products). This term is generally informal, suitable for everyday conversation.

竹子 or something close to it

竹 (bamboo) vs 竹竿 (bamboo pole) — choose 竹子 for the plant itself, while 竹竿 refers specifically to a pole made from bamboo.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse the tones, mistakenly saying 'zhu3 zi' instead of 'zhu2 zi.' Additionally, some may use the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一根竹子' instead of the correct '一棵竹子.'

Write 竹子

竹
子

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 竹子

竹子 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). 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

那____突然弹回打在我的脸上.

The bamboo whipped back and hit me in the face.

Example Sentences for 竹子 (17)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
那竹子突然弹回打在我的脸上.

nà zhú zǐ tū rán dàn huí dǎ zài wǒ de liǎn shàng.

The bamboo whipped back and hit me in the face.
2
可惜的是，竹子开花后便会枯死。

kě xī de shì， ， zhú zǐ kāi huā hòu biàn huì kū。

Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering.
3
竹子很轻,因为它中间是空的.

zhú zǐ hěn qīng, , yīn wéi tā zhōng jiān shì kōng.

Bamboo is light because it is hollow.
4
在中国文化中，竹子常常象征着坚韧和高尚的品格。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, zhúzi chángcháng xiàngzhēng zhe jiānrèn hé gāoshàng de pǐngé.

In Chinese culture, bamboo often symbolizes resilience and noble character.
5
竹子不仅是建筑材料，还是一种环保的资源，因为它生长速度快，吸收二氧化碳的能力强。

Zhúzi bùjǐn shì jiànzhù cáiliào, hái shì yī zhǒng huánbǎo de zīyuán, yīnwèi tā shēngzhǎng sùdù kuài, xīshōu èryǎnghuàtàn de nénglì qiáng.

Bamboo is not only a building material but also an eco-friendly resource because it grows quickly and has a strong ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
6
在园艺设计中，竹子常被用来创造自然的屏障，既美观又有效地分隔空间。

Zài yuányì shèjì zhōng, zhúzi cháng bèi yòng lái chuàngzào zìrán de píngzhàng, jì měiguān yòu yǒuxiào de fēngé kōngjiān.

In landscape design, bamboo is often used to create natural barriers that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective at dividing spaces.
7
竹子在亚洲许多地区被广泛使用，不仅用于建房，还用于制作家具和乐器。

Zhúzi zài Yàzhōu xǔduō dìqū bèi guǎngfàn shǐyòng, bùjǐn yòng yú jiàn fáng, hái yòng yú zhìzuò jiājù hé yuèqì.

Bamboo is widely used in many regions of Asia, not only for building houses but also for making furniture and musical instruments.
8
在中国南方，竹子是熊猫的主要食物来源。

Zài Zhōngguó nánfāng, zhúzi shì xióngmāo de zhǔyào shíwù láiyuán.

In southern China, bamboo is the main food source for pandas.
9
竹子的种类多样，有的品种可以长到达数十米高。

Zhúzi de zhǒnglèi duōyàng, yǒude pǐnzhǒng kěyǐ zhǎng dào dá shùshí mǐ gāo.

There are various types of bamboo, some of which can grow up to tens of meters tall.
10
竹子的根系非常发达，可以有效防止土壤侵蚀。

Zhúzi de gēnxì fēicháng fādá, kěyǐ yǒuxiào fángzhǐ tǔrǎng qīnshí.

The root system of bamboo is very developed and can effectively prevent soil erosion.
11
在中国文化中，竹子常常象征着坚韧和高尚的品格。

Zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng, zhúzi chángcháng xiàngzhēng zhe jiānrèn hé gāoshàng de pǐngé.

In Chinese culture, bamboo often symbolizes resilience and noble character.
12
竹子不仅是建筑材料，还是一种环保的资源，因为它生长速度快，吸收二氧化碳的能力强。

Zhúzi bùjǐn shì jiànzhù cáiliào, hái shì yī zhǒng huánbǎo de zīyuán, yīnwèi tā shēngzhǎng sùdù kuài, xīshōu èryǎnghuàtàn de nénglì qiáng.

Bamboo is not only a building material but also an eco-friendly resource because it grows quickly and has a strong ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
13
在园艺设计中，竹子常被用来创造自然的屏障，既美观又有效地分隔空间。

Zài yuányì shèjì zhōng, zhúzi cháng bèi yòng lái chuàngzào zìrán de píngzhàng, jì měiguān yòu yǒuxiào de fēngé kōngjiān.

In landscape design, bamboo is often used to create natural barriers that are both aesthetically pleasing and effective at dividing spaces.
14
竹子在亚洲许多地区被广泛使用，不仅用于建房，还用于制作家具和乐器。

Zhúzi zài Yàzhōu xǔduō dìqū bèi guǎngfàn shǐyòng, bùjǐn yòng yú jiàn fáng, hái yòng yú zhìzuò jiājù hé yuèqì.

Bamboo is widely used in many regions of Asia, not only for building houses but also for making furniture and musical instruments.
15
在中国南方，竹子是熊猫的主要食物来源。

Zài Zhōngguó nánfāng, zhúzi shì xióngmāo de zhǔyào shíwù láiyuán.

In southern China, bamboo is the main food source for pandas.
16
竹子的种类多样，有的品种可以长到达数十米高。

Zhúzi de zhǒnglèi duōyàng, yǒude pǐnzhǒng kěyǐ zhǎng dào dá shùshí mǐ gāo.

There are various types of bamboo, some of which can grow up to tens of meters tall.
17
竹子的根系非常发达，可以有效防止土壤侵蚀。

Zhúzi de gēnxì fēicháng fādá, kěyǐ yǒuxiào fángzhǐ tǔrǎng qīnshí.

The root system of bamboo is very developed and can effectively prevent soil erosion.

Frequently Asked Questions about 竹子

You would say '竹子林' (zhú zi lín).

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