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奏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
奏
zòu
to play music
HSK 6, v, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #10399, Hard
奏
zòu
to achieve
HSK 6, v, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #10399, Hard
奏
zòu
to play; to memorialize; to report
HSK 6, v, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #10399, Hard
奏
zòu
to present a memorial to the emperor (old)
HSK 6, v, 9 strokes, radical 大, rank #10399, Hard
zòu(zou4)zou T4
1to play music
2to achieve
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March 24, 2026
奏zòu(zou4)
The character 奏 (zòu) primarily means 'to play music' or 'to perform.' It is often used in formal contexts, such as in classical music or traditional performances. Additionally, it can refer to the act of presenting reports or memorials, especially in historical contexts involving emperors.
Strokes9Radical大Frequency#10399DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese court culture, musicians would often perform for emperors, making the act of 奏 not just a musical performance, but a significant cultural event signaling loyalty and artistry.
Memory tip
Imagine a musician in a grand palace, playing an exquisite piece on a traditional instrument. The character 奏 has the radical for 'to play' (奏) resembling a musical note, while the 'zòu' sound can remind you of 'zoo,' where animals perform for an audience.
Meanings of 奏
zòu(zou4)
1to play music
2to achieve
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 奏 means.
About 奏
奏Simplified
9Strokes
大Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10399Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 奏
Podcast: 奏
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AI study notes for 奏
Quick Contrast
奏 (zòu) vs 演 (yǎn) — use 奏 when referring specifically to playing music or formal performances, while 演 is broader and can refer to acting or performing in general.
Usage Notes
While 奏 is often used in formal contexts, beginners may confuse it with similar characters like 唱 (chàng, to sing). Be mindful of the tone; zòu is the fourth tone, which can change the meaning if pronounced incorrectly. Common collocations include '奏乐' (zòu yuè, to play music) and '奏折' (zòu zhé, to present a memorial).
HSK Study Tips
Although 奏 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK 4 vocabulary related to music and performance. Focus on understanding its use in formal settings and how it pairs with other musical terms you learn.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 奏 in casual contexts, where more common terms like 听音乐 (tīng yīnyuè, to listen to music) would be appropriate. For example, saying '我想奏音乐' (wǒ xiǎng zòu yīnyuè) sounds awkward; it would be better to say '我想听音乐.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奏
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The character 奏 (zòu) primarily means 'to play music' or 'to perform.' It is often used in formal contexts, such as in classical music or traditional performances. Additionally, it can refer to the act of presenting reports or memorials, especially in historical contexts involving emperors.
When to use 奏
While 奏 is often used in formal contexts, beginners may confuse it with similar characters like 唱 (chàng, to sing). Be mindful of the tone; zòu is the fourth tone, which can change the meaning if pronounced incorrectly. Common collocations include '奏乐' (zòu yuè, to play music) and '奏折' (zòu zhé, to present a memorial).
奏 or something close to it
奏 (zòu) vs 演 (yǎn) — use 奏 when referring specifically to playing music or formal performances, while 演 is broader and can refer to acting or performing in general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 奏 in casual contexts, where more common terms like 听音乐 (tīng yīnyuè, to listen to music) would be appropriate. For example, saying '我想奏音乐' (wǒ xiǎng zòu yīnyuè) sounds awkward; it would be better to say '我想听音乐.'
Write 奏
奏
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Grammar patterns of 奏
奏 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
演____钢琴的戴夫将这支曲子反复弹了两三遍。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
Example sentences for 奏 (10)
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1
演奏钢琴的戴夫将这支曲子反复弹了两三遍。
yǎnzòu gāngqín de dài fū jiāng zhè zhī qǔzi fǎnfù dàn le liǎng sān biàn。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
2
这支管弦乐队呈现了精彩的演奏，堪称其多年来的巅峰演奏。
zhè zhī guǎn xián yuèduì chéngxiàn le jīngcǎi de yǎnzòu， kānchēng qí duōniánlái de diānfēng yǎnzòu。
The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.
3
这位领导人也学会了演奏得更加优美动听。
zhè wèi lǐngdǎo rén yě xuéhuì le yǎnzòu de gèngjiā yōuměi dòngtīng。
The leader has also learned to play more melodically.
4
一名身穿晚礼服的表演者用小提琴演奏了几段古典音乐。
yī míng shēn chuān wǎn lǐfú de biǎoyǎn zhě yòng xiǎotíqín yǎnzòu le jǐ duàn gǔdiǎn yīnyuè。
A performer in evening dress plays classical selections on the violin.
5
有些段落他演奏得异常徐缓，听上去有些忧伤。
yǒuxiē duànluò tā yǎnzòu de yìcháng xú huǎn， tīng shàngqù yǒuxiē yōu shāng。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
6
他的小号演奏独创一格。
tā de xiǎo hào yǎnzòu dú chuàng yī gé。
His playing as a trumpet player was quite revolutionary.
7
那种方法不奏效的时候，他们有时会想到要寻求帮助。
nà zhǒng fāngfǎ bù zòuxiào de shíhou， tāmen yǒushí huì xiǎngdào yào xúnqiú bāngzhù。
When that doesn't work they sometimes have the sense to seek help.
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Word Family of 奏
Compounds7
揍zòuto beat up
凑còuto gather together, pool or collect
湊còuto piece together, to assemble
腠còusubcutaneous tissue
辏còuwheel hub; to converge
楱zòu
輳còu
Words containing this character20
节奏jiézòurhythm節奏
演奏yǎnzòuto perform on a musical instrument
奏zòuto achieve
奏效zòuxiàoeffective
伴奏bànzòuto accompany (musically)
弹奏tánzòuto play (musical instrument, esp. string)彈奏
前奏qiánzòuprelude
独奏dúzòusolo獨奏
协奏曲xiézòuqǔconcerto協奏曲
吹奏chuīzòuto play (wind instruments)
奏鸣曲zòumíngqǔsonata奏鳴曲
奏乐zòuyuèto perform music奏樂
奏折zòuzhémemorial to the emperor (folded in accordion form)奏摺
合奏hézòuto perform music (as an ensemble)
重奏chóngzòumusical ensemble of several instruments (e.g. duet 二重奏 or trio 三重奏)
四重奏sìchóngzòuquartet (musical ensemble)
变奏biànzòuvariation變奏
先斩后奏xiānzhǎnhòuzòufirst decapitate then present your trophy (idiom); act first, report later先斬後奏
演奏者yǎnzòuzhěperformer
二重奏èrchóngzòuduet (in music)
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 奏
What does 揍 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 奏
While both mean 'to play,' 奏 is more formal and often associated with traditional music, while 演奏 (yǎnzòu) is more general and can refer to any performance.
It's primarily used in formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations about music.
Common phrases include '奏乐' (to play music) and '奏折' (to present a memorial).
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