Meanings of 扎
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About 扎
Podcast: 扎
Podcast: 扎
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AI Study Notes for 扎
扎 (zā) vs 刺 (cì) — use 扎 when referring to binding or sticking something together, whereas 刺 specifically means to stab or pierce sharply.
Imagine a needle '扎' (zā) that pricks through fabric. The sharp point of the needle represents the action of piercing or sticking, and the sound 'zā' can be associated with the sound of air escaping as something is pricked, helping you remember the meaning.
Learners often confuse 扎 with its variant 紮 (zhā) due to their similar meanings, so it's important to use them in the correct context. '扎' is more commonly used in informal settings, while 紮 may appear in more formal contexts. Watch out for tone pronunciation; '扎' is pronounced with the first tone (zā).
As an HSK 6 level word, 扎 connects to themes of action and physical interaction, which are common in advanced vocabulary. Focus on how this word can be applied in both practical and abstract contexts, such as in discussions about crafting or binding.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of '扎' is significant in practices like acupuncture, where needles are '扎' into specific points on the body for therapeutic effects. This highlights the cultural importance of binding and piercing in health practices.
Learners often mix up 扎 with 相 (xiāng) due to their contrasting meanings. For example, saying '我扎相' (Wǒ zā xiāng) instead of '我扎针' (Wǒ zā zhēn) leads to confusion, as the former does not make sense.
Pronunciation of 扎
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Etymology of 扎
A hand 扌 tying a bundle with string 乚
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 扎?
Decomposition of 扎
Identify the Components
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Write 扎
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Practice writing 扎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 扎
扎 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 13 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.
Complete the Sentence
他的士兵袭击了瓜____坦，擒获了一名俘虏。
His men made a sortie to Guazatan and took a prisoner.
Example Sentences for 扎 (10)
Cultural Notes for 扎
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of '扎' is significant in practices like acupuncture, where needles are '扎' into specific points on the body for therapeutic effects. This highlights the cultural importance of binding and piercing in health practices.
In Western contexts, the act of pricking or piercing is often associated with medical procedures, while in Chinese culture, it also carries a strong connection to traditional arts and crafts like flower arranging.
Word Family of 扎
Compound Meaning
What does 扎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 扎
You can say '我用针扎了布' (Wǒ yòng zhēn zā le bù) meaning 'I pricked the fabric with a needle.'