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March 24, 2026
柱zhù(zhu4)
The character 柱 (zhù) refers to a pillar or post that provides physical support in structures. In a broader context, it can symbolize something foundational or essential, such as support in a metaphorical sense, like a mentor or guide in one’s life.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#11617DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pillars are significant elements that not only support buildings but also symbolize stability and strength. They often have intricate carvings and are essential in temples and historical structures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, sturdy tree (the radical 木, meaning wood) that stands strong and upright. This tree serves as a pillar in a forest, providing shelter and support to other plants and animals. The pronunciation 'zhù' sounds like 'zoo,' where animals might gather under a protective pillar-like tree.
Meanings of 柱
zhù(zhu4)
1pillar
2to lean on; pillar, post, support
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柱
柱Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11617Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 柱
Podcast: 柱
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AI Study Notes for 柱
Quick Contrast
柱 (pillar) vs 棒 (stick) — choose 柱 when referring to a structural support rather than a simple elongated object.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 柱 (pillar) with similar-sounding words like 住 (zhù, to live) due to tonal differences. This word is more formal and typically used in architectural or metaphorical contexts. Be aware of its collocation with words like 支持 (zhīchí, to support) when discussing support systems.
HSK Study Tips
While 柱 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other foundational nouns at higher levels, such as 支 (zhī, branch/support) or 基 (jī, base/foundation). Focus on its usage in compound words and phrases to enhance vocabulary related to structure and support.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柱 with the word for 'live' (住, zhù) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 柱 specifically refers to a pillar or support structure.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柱
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Drill the tone of 柱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 主 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half主 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaytree
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 柱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 柱?
Decomposition of 柱
IDS Structure⿰木主
柱Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
主zhu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 柱?
How to say pillar in Chinese
“pillar” in Chinese is柱zhù
The character 柱 (zhù) refers to a pillar or post that provides physical support in structures. In a broader context, it can symbolize something foundational or essential, such as support in a metaphorical sense, like a mentor or guide in one’s life.
When to use 柱
Common mistakes include confusing 柱 (pillar) with similar-sounding words like 住 (zhù, to live) due to tonal differences. This word is more formal and typically used in architectural or metaphorical contexts. Be aware of its collocation with words like 支持 (zhīchí, to support) when discussing support systems.
柱 or something close to it
柱 (pillar) vs 棒 (stick) — choose 柱 when referring to a structural support rather than a simple elongated object.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 柱 with the word for 'live' (住, zhù) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 柱 specifically refers to a pillar or support structure.
Write 柱
柱
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Practice writing 柱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 柱
柱 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). 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
Complete the Sentence
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的支____。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
Example Sentences for 柱 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的支柱。
tā réng rán shì wéi xì gāi guó cuì ruò de zhèng zhì píng héng de zhī zhù。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
