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竹子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
竹子
zhúzi
bamboo
HSK 5, n, 9 strokes, rank #14118, Hard
zhúzi(zhu2zi5)zhu zi T2
1bamboo
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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 竹子 means.
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
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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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 竹子 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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
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Practice writing 竹子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
