Meanings of 竹
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Podcast: 竹
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AI Study Notes for 竹
Be mindful of the context in which you use 竹; it is often used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 竹子 (bamboo), 竹筒 (bamboo tube), and 竹笛 (bamboo flute). Avoid confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words to prevent misunderstandings.
While 竹 is not explicitly in HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 2 words related to nature and materials. Focus on recognizing its usage in compound words and phrases, especially when discussing traditional crafts or music.
Learners often confuse 竹 (bamboo) with similar characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 草 (cǎo, grass). For example, saying '我喜欢树' (I like trees) when referring to bamboo is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢竹.'
Pronunciation of 竹
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Jason Explains 竹 to You
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Learning Lab
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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.
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Etymology of 竹
Pictograph of bamboo stalks.
Two stalks of bamboo
Origin
What kind of character is 竹?
How to say bamboo in Chinese
“bamboo” in Chinese is竹
The character 竹 (zhú) refers to 'bamboo,' a plant widely used in Chinese culture for construction, crafts, and culinary purposes. It also symbolizes strength and resilience due to its flexibility and rapid growth, making it a common motif in art and literature.
When to use 竹
Be mindful of the context in which you use 竹; it is often used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include 竹子 (bamboo), 竹筒 (bamboo tube), and 竹笛 (bamboo flute). Avoid confusing the pronunciation with similar-sounding words to prevent misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 竹 (bamboo) with similar characters like 树 (shù, tree) or 草 (cǎo, grass). For example, saying '我喜欢树' (I like trees) when referring to bamboo is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢竹.'
Write 竹
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Practice writing 竹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 竹
竹 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.
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____笋是熊猫的主要食物，这是人所共知的。
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.
Example Sentences for 竹 (10)
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Word Family of 竹
Characters with 竹
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Frequently Asked Questions about 竹
竹 specifically refers to bamboo, while 草 means 'grass.' They belong to different plant categories, with bamboo being a woody plant.
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