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March 24, 2026
纵(縱)zòng(zong4)
The character 纵 (zòng) primarily means 'to release' or 'to indulge', but it also refers to the concept of 'vertical' or 'lengthwise', especially in contexts such as weaving where it describes the vertical threads. It can imply giving free rein to something or someone, as in allowing them to act without restraint. In geographical terms, it relates to the north-south orientation of lines of longitude.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#13429DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, understanding the concept of 纵 is essential as it directly relates to the craftsmanship of textiles, which is a significant part of Chinese heritage. The concept also ties into philosophies of allowing freedom in one's life and choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, vertical thread (纵) being released from a spool, representing the concept of indulgence and freedom. The character's two components, '纵' can remind you of a long path or line that extends vertically, emphasizing its connection to length and verticality.
Meanings of 纵
zòng(zong4)
1warp (the vertical threads in weaving)
2vertical
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 纵
纵Simplified
縱Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13429Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 纵
Podcast: 纵
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AI Study Notes for 纵
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 纵 with similar characters like 縱 (also pronounced zòng but used in different contexts). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its nuanced meanings in different phrases. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as a slip could change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 纵 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other words relating to direction and dimensions. Students should focus on its dual meanings of indulgence and verticality, especially in contexts involving physical or abstract release.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纵 with the character 纵然 (zòngrán), which means 'even if'. For example, saying '我纵然去' instead of '我纵去' for 'I will indulge in going' is incorrect; the first means 'even if I go'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纵
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How Well Do You Know 纵?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 纵 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.
纵 = 纟 + 从. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 纵
IDS Structure⿰纟从
纵Full Character
=
纟si1
left
从Cong2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 纵?
How to say warp (the vertical threads in weaving) in Chinese
“warp (the vertical threads in weaving)” in Chinese is纵zòng
The character 纵 (zòng) primarily means 'to release' or 'to indulge', but it also refers to the concept of 'vertical' or 'lengthwise', especially in contexts such as weaving where it describes the vertical threads. It can imply giving free rein to something or someone, as in allowing them to act without restraint. In geographical terms, it relates to the north-south orientation of lines of longitude.
When to use 纵
Common mistakes include confusing 纵 with similar characters like 縱 (also pronounced zòng but used in different contexts). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its nuanced meanings in different phrases. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as a slip could change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 纵 with the character 纵然 (zòngrán), which means 'even if'. For example, saying '我纵然去' instead of '我纵去' for 'I will indulge in going' is incorrect; the first means 'even if I go'.
Write 纵
纵
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Grammar Patterns of 纵
纵 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 9 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.
