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舟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
舟
zhōu
boat
HSK 6, ns, 6 strokes, radical 舟, rank #17445, Hard
舟
zhōu
boat, ship
HSK 6, ns, 6 strokes, radical 舟, rank #17445, Hard
zhōu(zhou1)zhou T1
1boat
2boat, ship
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March 24, 2026
舟zhōu(zhou1)
The character 舟 (zhōu) refers to a boat or ship, often emphasizing smaller vessels used for transportation on water. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in expressions related to travel or adventure.
Strokes6Radical舟Frequency#17445DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In ancient China, boats were essential for trade and transportation along the many rivers and canals, which were vital to the economy. The character 舟 reflects this deep-rooted cultural significance of waterborne travel.
Memory tip
Imagine a small boat (舟) floating on water. The character resembles a boat with its two 'sails' on either side. To remember its pronunciation, think of a 'zoo' of boats, where 'zhōu' sounds like 'zoo' with a boat theme.
Meanings of 舟
zhōu(zhou1)
1boat
2boat, ship
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 舟 means.
About 舟
舟Simplified
6Strokes
舟Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#17445Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 舟
Podcast: 舟
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AI study notes for 舟
Quick Contrast
船 (chuán) - use 舟 for smaller vessels or in literary contexts, while 船 is more general and commonly used for various types of boats.
Usage Notes
舟 is often used in more literary or formal contexts compared to other words for 'boat' like 船 (chuán). Be careful not to confuse it with 船, which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. It's also important to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 舟 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to travel and transportation. Learners should focus on using it in phrases or idioms to solidify their understanding of its context and nuance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 舟 with 船, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying 舟 when wanting to refer to a large ship is incorrect; use 船 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舟
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Tone practice
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 舟 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.
The character 舟 (zhōu) refers to a boat or ship, often emphasizing smaller vessels used for transportation on water. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in expressions related to travel or adventure.
When to use 舟
舟 is often used in more literary or formal contexts compared to other words for 'boat' like 船 (chuán). Be careful not to confuse it with 船, which is more commonly used in everyday conversation. It's also important to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.
舟 or something close to it
船 (chuán) - use 舟 for smaller vessels or in literary contexts, while 船 is more general and commonly used for various types of boats.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 舟 with 船, thinking they are interchangeable. For example, saying 舟 when wanting to refer to a large ship is incorrect; use 船 instead.
Write 舟
舟
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Practice writing 舟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 舟
舟 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我们试图让独木____靠他更近一些。
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
