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枕头 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
枕头
zhěntou
pillow
HSK 6, n, 13 strokes, rank #4118, Hard
zhěntou(zhen3tou5)zhen tou T3
1pillow
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
枕头(枕頭)zhěntou(zhen3tou5)
枕头 (zhěntou) refers to a pillow, which is a soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping. It is commonly found on beds and is essential for comfort during rest. In addition to its literal meaning, the term can also symbolize rest and relaxation in various contexts.
Strokes13Frequency#4118DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, a good pillow is considered crucial for quality sleep, which is often emphasized in traditional health practices. The choice of materials for pillows (like silk or buckwheat) reflects personal preferences and beliefs about health and comfort.
Memory tip
Think of '枕' (zhěn) as a 'zen' position where you lay your head down on a soft '头' (tóu) like a 'head' pillow. Imagine a serene scene with a cozy pillow that brings you peace, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 枕头
zhěntou(zhen3tou5)
1pillow
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 枕头 means.
About 枕头
枕头Simplified
枕頭Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4118Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 枕头
Podcast: 枕头
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AI study notes for 枕头
Usage Notes
When using 枕头, it is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is important, as mispronouncing could lead to confusion with other words. It often collocates with verbs like '使用' (to use) or '买' (to buy).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 枕头 connects to other vocabulary related to home and comfort. Students should focus on using it in context, especially in discussions about sleep, health, and daily routines, to enhance their fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 枕头 by mixing up the tones, saying 'zhěntou' with incorrect tones like 'zhèntou'. This can lead to misunderstandings, so practicing the correct tones is crucial.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 枕头
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Learning Lab
Knowing 枕头 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.
枕头 (zhěntou) refers to a pillow, which is a soft cushion used to support the head while sleeping. It is commonly found on beds and is essential for comfort during rest. In addition to its literal meaning, the term can also symbolize rest and relaxation in various contexts.
When to use 枕头
When using 枕头, it is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. Be cautious with tone; the correct pronunciation is important, as mispronouncing could lead to confusion with other words. It often collocates with verbs like '使用' (to use) or '买' (to buy).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 枕头 by mixing up the tones, saying 'zhěntou' with incorrect tones like 'zhèntou'. This can lead to misunderstandings, so practicing the correct tones is crucial.
Write 枕头
枕
头
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Grammar patterns of 枕头
枕头 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.
他命令他们把几个____叠放在自己的背后。
He ordered them to stack up pillows behind his back.
Example sentences for 枕头 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他命令他们把几个枕头叠放在自己的背后。
tā mìnglìng tāmen bǎ jǐ gè zhěntou dié fàng zài zìjǐ de bèihòu。
He ordered them to stack up pillows behind his back.
2
她把脸埋进枕头里。
tā bǎ liǎn mái jìn zhěntou lǐ。
She buried her face in the pillows .
3
矮老头考虑着, 他那瘦骨嶙嶙的肩膀深埋在一堆枕头之中.
ǎi lǎo tóu kǎolǜ zhe, tā nà shòu gǔ lín lín de jiānbǎng shēn mái zài yī duī zhěntou zhīzhōng.
The little man considered, his bony shoulders deep in the pile of pillows.
4
论年龄,她俩已经不是抱着枕头在床上打闹,或者让人家举起来甩的小娃娃了.
lún niánlíng, tā liǎ yǐjīng bùshì bào zhe zhěntou zài chuáng shàng dǎ nào, huòzhě ràng rénjia jǔ qǐlái shuǎi de xiǎo wáwa le.
The two young daughters sat on the bedroom couch watching him.
5
她还是哭，哭呀哭，一直哭到枕头都湿透了。
tā háishi kū， kū yā kū， yìzhí kū dào zhěntou dōu shī tòu le。
She went on crying, and cried and cried until the pillow was wet through.
6
她半躺半坐靠在枕头上。
tā bàn tǎng bàn zuò kào zài zhěntou shàng。
She lay back against the pillows.
7
她筋疲力尽,又躺在枕头上.
tā jīn pí lì jìn, yòu tǎng zài zhěntou shàng.
Her strength was exhausted and she fell back on the pillow.
