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) 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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Complete the Sentence
我们试图让独木____靠他更近一些。
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
Example Sentences for 舟 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们试图让独木舟靠他更近一些。
wǒ mén shì tú ràng dú mù zhōu kào tā gēng jìn yī xiē。
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
2
让我们提取一下独木舟上的指纹，看看能不能有什么发现。
ràng wǒ mén tí qǔ yī xià dú mù zhōu shàng de zhǐ wén， ， kàn kàn néng bù néng yǒu shí mó fā。
Let's fingerprint the canoe, see if we come up with anything.
Paddles are used especially to propel canoes and kayaks.
Cultural Notes for 舟
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 舟
Compounds91
船chuan2variant of 船[chuán]
般ban1sort
盘pan2plate
航hang2boat
艘sou1classifier for ships
舰jian4warship
舱cang1cabin
艇ting3vessel
舵duo4helm, rudder
舷xian2bulwarks, gunwhale
舶bo2sea-going vessels
舢shan1sampan, wooden boat
艉wei3the aft of a ship
艄shao1the stern of a ship
侜
舠
舡chuan2boat, ship
舣yi3to moor a boat
舨ban3sampan, wooden boat
舫fang3yacht, fancy boat
舭bi3bilge
舲ling2houseboat; a small boat with windows
舳zhu2the stern of a ship
舴ze2dinghy, small boat
舸ge3barge, large boat
舺
舻lu2the prow of a ship
艁
艅yu2dispatch boat
艋meng3small boat
艎huang2fast boat
艏shou3the prow of a ship
艑
艕
艖
艗
艚cao2ship, junk
艜
艟chong1ancient warship
艨meng2a long narrow war-boat
艩
艬
艭
辀
歬
洀
烐
珘
矪
舤
舥
舦
舧
舩
舮
舯zhong1
舼
舽
舾xi1equipment onboard a ship
舿
艀
艂
艃
艆
艈
艊
艌
艍
艐
艒
艓
艔
艙cang1cabin, ship's hold
艛
艝
艞
艠
艡
艢
艣
艤
艥
艦jian4warship
艧
艪
艫
貈
輈
郍
鵃
鸼
Words Containing This Character20
方舟ark
舟zhōuboat
神舟Shenzhou (spacecraft)
独木舟dugout獨木舟
龙舟lóngzhōudragon boat龍舟
木已成舟fig. what is done cannot be undone
同舟共济tóngzhōugòngjìobliged to collaborate towards common goals同舟共濟
舟山formerly Dinghai 定海
泛舟to go boating
顺水推舟lit. to push the boat with the current順水推舟
破釜沉舟to burn one's boats
风雨同舟lit. in the same boat under wind and rain (idiom); fig. to stick together in hard times風雨同舟
扁舟skiff
舟山市formerly Dinghai 定海
逆水行舟lit. a boat going against the current (idiom); fig. you must work harder
舟车劳顿travel-worn舟車勞頓
舟山群岛Zhoushan Island舟山群島
飞舟fast boat飛舟
赛龙舟to race dragon boats賽龍舟
舟船boat
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 船 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 舟
舟 refers more to smaller boats, while 船 is a broader term that includes larger vessels and is more commonly used.
While you can, it's more frequently found in literary contexts or formal writing.
Think of a 'zoo' of boats, where 'zhōu' sounds like 'zoo' but with a nautical twist.
