HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
株
zhū
stump (tree root)
HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
株
zhū
a plant
HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
株
zhū
classifier for trees or plants
HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
株
zhū
to involve others (in shady business)
HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
株
zhū
root, stump; measure word for trees
HSK 6, q, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13799, Hard
zhū(zhu1)zhu T1
1tree trunk
2stump (tree root)
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March 24, 2026
株zhū(zhu1)
The character 株 (zhū) primarily refers to a tree trunk or stump, representing the solid, central part of a tree. It can also be used as a classifier for trees and plants, highlighting its role in contexts related to botany. Additionally, it carries a nuanced meaning of involving others in dubious activities, which reflects a more figurative use of the character.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#13799DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, trees are often symbols of longevity and stability, making 株 significant in discussions about heritage and nature. The character also reflects the importance of agriculture and forestry in traditional Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, sturdy tree trunk (株) standing tall. Visualize a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhū') where animals gather around the trunk, emphasizing its central role in the forest. This imagery connects the sound and meaning, making it easier to remember.
Meanings of 株
zhū(zhu1)
1tree trunk
2stump (tree root)
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 株 means.
About 株
株Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#13799Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 株
Podcast: 株
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AI Study Notes for 株
Quick Contrast
树 (shù) vs 树干 (shùgān) — use 株 when referring specifically to the trunk or stump, while 树 refers to the whole tree and 树干 specifically denotes the tree trunk.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 株 with similar classifiers, such as 棵 (kē) for small plants. It's essential to remember that 株 is specifically for larger trees or plant groups. Use this character in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious when using it in idiomatic expressions that hint at unethical involvement.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 株 connects to themes of nature and ecology, which are prevalent in this level's vocabulary. Students should focus on the dual meanings of the word and practice using it in sentences related to botany and ethical discussions.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using 株 with small plants instead of larger trees; for example, saying '三株花' (sān zhū huā) instead of '三棵花' (sān kē huā) for three flowers. Remember to use 株 for larger entities.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 株
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How Well Do You Know 株?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 株 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.
株 = 木 + 朱. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 株
IDS Structure⿰木朱
株Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
朱Zhu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 株?
How to say tree trunk in Chinese
“tree trunk” in Chinese is株zhū
The character 株 (zhū) primarily refers to a tree trunk or stump, representing the solid, central part of a tree. It can also be used as a classifier for trees and plants, highlighting its role in contexts related to botany. Additionally, it carries a nuanced meaning of involving others in dubious activities, which reflects a more figurative use of the character.
When to use 株
Learners often confuse 株 with similar classifiers, such as 棵 (kē) for small plants. It's essential to remember that 株 is specifically for larger trees or plant groups. Use this character in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious when using it in idiomatic expressions that hint at unethical involvement.
株 or something close to it
树 (shù) vs 树干 (shùgān) — use 株 when referring specifically to the trunk or stump, while 树 refers to the whole tree and 树干 specifically denotes the tree trunk.
What learners get wrong
A frequent mistake is using 株 with small plants instead of larger trees; for example, saying '三株花' (sān zhū huā) instead of '三棵花' (sān kē huā) for three flowers. Remember to use 株 for larger entities.
Write 株
株
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Practice writing 株 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 株
株 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 6 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.
