Meanings of 琢
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 琢
Podcast: 琢
Podcast: 琢
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 琢
琢 (zhuó) vs 切 (qiē) — use 琢 when emphasizing the polishing or refining process of stones, while 切 focuses more on the act of cutting or slicing.
Imagine a jeweler meticulously shaping a rough piece of jade into a beautiful gem. The character 琢 combines the radical for 'jade' (玉) with the action of cutting, reminding you that it's about transforming something raw into a refined piece of art. Think of the 'zhu' sound as the sound of a chisel striking jade.
Be mindful of the context when using 琢, as it is often associated with formal craftsmanship rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include 琢磨 (to ponder or think deeply), which can lead to confusion with the pronunciation. Remember to use the correct tones to avoid misunderstandings.
While 琢 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its relation to other words like 玉 (jade) and 琢磨 (to ponder) can be useful for learners at higher levels. Focus on the character's usage in artistic contexts for a deeper understanding.
Jade holds significant cultural value in China, symbolizing purity and moral integrity. The process of 琢 (cutting and polishing jade) reflects the attention to detail and respect for materials that is foundational in traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Learners often confuse 琢 with 磨 due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '我琢这个石头' (I will 琢 this stone) instead of the more appropriate '我磨这个石头' (I will磨 this stone) can lead to confusion about the intended meaning.
Pronunciation of 琢
Drill the tone of 琢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 琢
jade
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 琢?
Decomposition of 琢
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 琢?
Write 琢
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 琢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 琢
琢 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Complete the Sentence
我从不闲坐着____磨：“我接下来做什么呢？”
I never, ever sit around thinking, "What shall I do next?"
Example Sentences for 琢 (3)
Cultural Notes for 琢
Jade holds significant cultural value in China, symbolizing purity and moral integrity. The process of 琢 (cutting and polishing jade) reflects the attention to detail and respect for materials that is foundational in traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Word Family of 琢
Compound Meaning
What does 琢磨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 琢
While 琢 is primarily associated with jade, it can also refer to the cutting and polishing of other precious stones.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 琢?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.