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March 24, 2026
拄zhǔ(zhu3)
The character 拄 (zhǔ) primarily means to lean on or to prop something up. It can also imply using something as a support, often in a physical sense, such as leaning on a stick. Additionally, it can carry a connotation of ridicule or prodding in certain contexts.
Strokes8Radical扌Frequency#22462DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of propping oneself up with a cane or stick can symbolize reliance on traditional practices for support during healing processes, reflecting the cultural importance of balance and support in health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, sturdy stick (the radical 扌), representing support, and visualize someone leaning on it for balance. The pronunciation 'zhǔ' sounds like 'zoo', where animals might lean against trees or posts for comfort, helping you remember its meaning and sound.
Meanings of 拄
zhǔ(zhu3)
1to lean on
2to prop on
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 拄
拄Simplified
8Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#22462Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 拄
Podcast: 拄
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AI Study Notes for 拄
Quick Contrast
支 (zhī) - use 支 when referring to supporting or providing assistance in a more general or abstract sense, while 拄 specifically implies leaning or propping physically.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, sturdy stick (the radical 扌), representing support, and visualize someone leaning on it for balance. The pronunciation 'zhǔ' sounds like 'zoo', where animals might lean against trees or posts for comfort, helping you remember its meaning and sound.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 拄 is often used in more formal contexts or written Chinese. It's commonly paired with words like 拄杖 (zhǔ zhàng - to use a cane) but may not be used in everyday conversation as frequently. Ensure to pronounce it with the correct third tone to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 拄 connects to advanced vocabulary related to physical actions and support. Students should focus on its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts, as well as recognize its role in idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of propping oneself up with a cane or stick can symbolize reliance on traditional practices for support during healing processes, reflecting the cultural importance of balance and support in health.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拄 with other characters that involve leaning, such as 依 (yī) and 倚 (yǐ). For instance, saying '我依在墙上' (I lean against the wall) instead of '我拄在墙上' (I lean on the wall) misuses the character as they have different nuances.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拄
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Grammar Patterns of 拄
拄 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 3 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
Complete the Sentence
他费力地____着拐杖，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
Example Sentences for 拄 (10)
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1
他费力地拄着拐杖，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
tā fèi lì dì zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng， ， yī qué yī guǎi dì zháo xiàng qì chē zǒu。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
2
他看起来很老，走路时拄着一根拐棍。
tā kàn qǐ lái hěn lǎo， ， zǒu lù shí zhǔ zháo yī gēn guǎi。
He looks old and walks with a stick.
3
他砍了一根结实的枝条用来拄着走路.
tā kǎn le yī gēn jié shí de zhī tiáo yòng lái zhǔ zháo zǒu lù.
He cut a stout stick to help him walk.
4
那老汉拄着拐杖一瘸一拐地走着.
nà lǎo hàn zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng yī qué yī guǎi dì zǒu zháo.
The old man hobbled along ( the road ) with the aid of his stick.
5
老人拄着手杖走路.
lǎo rén zhǔ zháo shǒu zhàng zǒu lù.
The old man had a stick to help him walk.
6
他走路拄拐棍,因为他是个瘸子.
tā zǒu lù zhǔ guǎi gùn, , yīn wéi tā shì gè qué.
He walks with a stick because he is lame.
7
他拄着拐杖, 走得慢慢地, 挟着一本很大的剪贴簿.
tā zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng, , zǒu dé màn màn, dì , xié zháo yī běn hěn dà de jiǎn.
He came slowly, on crutches, clutching a big scrapbook.
8
那个乞丐是个瞎子, 照例拄着一根用得很旧了的手杖棍子.
nà gè qǐ gài shì gè xiā zǐ, , zhào lì zhǔ zháo yī gēn yòng dé hěn jiù le de shǒu zhàng gùn.
He was a blind begger, carrying the traditional battered cane.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the act of propping oneself up with a cane or stick can symbolize reliance on traditional practices for support during healing processes, reflecting the cultural importance of balance and support in health.
Word Family of 拄
Words Containing This Character1
拄zhǔto lean on
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 拄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 拄
While 拄 specifically refers to leaning on something for support, 依 and 倚 have broader meanings related to relying on or depending on something.
It is generally more formal, so it's better suited for written or formal contexts rather than casual spoken language.
Yes, you might find it in phrases related to support or reliance, but it's less common in idiomatic expressions compared to more frequently used words.
