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垂直 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
垂直
chuízhí
perpendicular
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #13147, Hard
垂直
chuízhí
vertical
HSK 6, v, 16 strokes, rank #13147, Hard
chuízhí(chui2zhi2)chui zhi T2
1perpendicular
2vertical
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March 24, 2026
垂直chuízhí(chui2zhi2)
The term 垂直 (chui2 zhi2) refers to something that is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to a given surface or line, commonly understood as 'vertical' or 'perpendicular'. It is often used in geometry, architecture, and engineering contexts to describe the alignment of structures or objects.
Strokes16Frequency#13147DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese architecture, the concept of 垂直 is crucial as traditional structures emphasize verticality, reflecting harmony and stability. This is particularly evident in pagodas and temples where vertical lines symbolize reaching towards the heavens.
Memory tip
Imagine a tall tree (垂) growing straight up (直) into the sky, standing perfectly vertical. The character 垂 looks like a hanging branch, while 直 represents a straight line, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 垂直
chuízhí(chui2zhi2)
1perpendicular
2vertical
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 垂直 means.
About 垂直
垂直Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13147Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 垂直
Podcast: 垂直
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AI study notes for 垂直
Quick Contrast
水平 (shuǐpíng) — use 垂直 when referring to something that is vertical, as opposed to 水平 which indicates a horizontal orientation.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 垂直 with similar terms like 平行 (píng xíng), which means 'parallel'. This term is often used in technical contexts, so it carries a more formal register; avoid using it in casual conversations unless necessary.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 垂直 connects to advanced vocabulary related to physics and mathematics. Focus on understanding its application in technical writing and how it relates to other geometric terms like 角度 (angle) and 线 (line).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 垂直 with 倾斜 (qīng xié), which means 'tilted' or 'slanted'. For example, saying '这条线是倾斜的' (This line is tilted) when intending to say '这条线是垂直的' (This line is vertical) is a common mistake.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 垂直
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Learning Lab
Knowing 垂直 is seven skills, not one.
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The term 垂直 (chui2 zhi2) refers to something that is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to a given surface or line, commonly understood as 'vertical' or 'perpendicular'. It is often used in geometry, architecture, and engineering contexts to describe the alignment of structures or objects.
When to use 垂直
Be careful not to confuse 垂直 with similar terms like 平行 (píng xíng), which means 'parallel'. This term is often used in technical contexts, so it carries a more formal register; avoid using it in casual conversations unless necessary.
垂直 or something close to it
水平 (shuǐpíng) — use 垂直 when referring to something that is vertical, as opposed to 水平 which indicates a horizontal orientation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 垂直 with 倾斜 (qīng xié), which means 'tilted' or 'slanted'. For example, saying '这条线是倾斜的' (This line is tilted) when intending to say '这条线是垂直的' (This line is vertical) is a common mistake.
Write 垂直
垂
直
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Practice writing 垂直 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 垂直
垂直 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 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
只要所有____面在一条线上，图案看起来就会很整齐。
As long as the verticals align, the design will look regular.
