HSK 7, nt, 12 strokes, radical 氵, rank #4265, Hard
渣
zhā
dregs
HSK 7, nt, 12 strokes, radical 氵, rank #4265, Hard
渣
zhā
dregs, sediment; refuse, slag
HSK 7, nt, 12 strokes, radical 氵, rank #4265, Hard
zhā(zha1) T1
1slag (in mining or smelting)
2dregs
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March 24, 2026
渣zhā(zha1)
The character 渣 (zhā) refers to the waste material or residue left over from a process, particularly in mining or smelting. It can also mean dregs or sediment that settles at the bottom of a container. This term is commonly used in both industrial contexts and to describe something considered worthless or of low quality.
Strokes12Radical氵Frequency#4265DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the term 渣 is often used in social contexts to describe people who are unreliable or deceitful, much like how dregs are the unwanted remnants. This reflects a cultural emphasis on integrity and quality in personal relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a miner digging through a mountain, and after hard work, all that’s left is the 'zhā' (渣) – the useless, dusty leftovers that no one wants. The left-over 'dregs' remind you of the sound 'zhā', which sounds like the clinking of rocks falling to the ground.
Meanings of 渣
zhā(zha1)
1slag (in mining or smelting)
2dregs
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 渣
渣Simplified
12Strokes
氵Radical
机构团体míngcíorganisation name (org.n.)Part of Speech
#4265Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 渣
Podcast: 渣
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AI Study Notes for 渣
Quick Contrast
渣 (zhā) vs 废物 (fèiwù) — use 渣 for specific residue from a process, while 废物 refers more generally to waste or useless items.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a miner digging through a mountain, and after hard work, all that’s left is the 'zhā' (渣) – the useless, dusty leftovers that no one wants. The left-over 'dregs' remind you of the sound 'zhā', which sounds like the clinking of rocks falling to the ground.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context in which you use 渣, as it can be informal when referring to people or things considered undesirable. Common collocations include '渣男' (zhā nán) meaning 'scum man', and '渣滓' (zhā zǐ) meaning dregs or residue. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 渣 connects to other vocabulary related to waste, quality assessment, and materials. Students should focus on its usage in both technical settings (like mining) and metaphorical contexts, enhancing their ability to describe less desirable qualities.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the term 渣 is often used in social contexts to describe people who are unreliable or deceitful, much like how dregs are the unwanted remnants. This reflects a cultural emphasis on integrity and quality in personal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 渣 (zhā) with 渣滓 (zhā zǐ), assuming they are interchangeable. Remember that 渣 is the general term for dregs, while 渣滓 specifically refers to the residue or sediment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渣
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Grammar Patterns of 渣
渣 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 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.
Sludges forming in the acid interfere with storage and handling.
6
倒掉沉渣,把壶涮干净.
dǎo diào chén zhā, , bǎ hú shuàn gān.
Pour the dregs away and rinse the pot.
7
火山灰 、 火山渣和其它碎屑变成了固结的岩石.
huǒ shān huī、 、 huǒ shān zhā hé qí tā suì xiè biàn chéng le gù jié de yán.
The ash, cinders, and other fragments become a consolidated rock.
8
那个人渣偷了我的自行车.
nà gè rén zhā tōu le wǒ de zì háng chē.
Some scum stole my bicycle.
9
她滤出了咖啡渣.
tā lǜ chū le kā fēi zhā.
She strained out coffee grounds.
10
〔谚语〕有酒就有酒渣.
〔 〔 yàn〕 yǔ 〕 yǒu jiǔ jiù yǒu.
There are lees to every wine.
Cultural Notes for 渣
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, the term 渣 is often used in social contexts to describe people who are unreliable or deceitful, much like how dregs are the unwanted remnants. This reflects a cultural emphasis on integrity and quality in personal relationships.
Word Family of 渣
Words Containing This Character14
渣zhādregs
渣滓residue
残渣remainder殘渣
废渣slag廢渣
渣打银行Standard Chartered Bank渣打銀行
矿渣slag (mining)礦渣
煤渣slack
药渣dregs of a decoction藥渣
豆渣okara (i.e. soy pulp, a by-product of making soymilk or tofu)
蔗渣bagasse (sugar cane waste)
土得掉渣(coll.) rustic
熔渣slag (smelting)
残渣余孽evil elements who have escaped eradication殘渣餘孽
酒渣鼻brandy nose
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 渣 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 渣
渣 (zhā) specifically refers to waste from processes like mining, while 垃圾 (lā jī) is a more general term for garbage or trash.
Yes, it can be used informally to describe someone as 'scum' or of low character.
Primarily, yes. It often has a negative connotation, indicating something undesirable or worthless.
