Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the PRC's second most numerous ethnic group
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
壮
zhuàng
Zhuang: Bouxcuengh
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
壮
zhuàng
to strengthen
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
壮
zhuàng
strong
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
壮
zhuàng
robust
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
壮
zhuàng
big, large; robust, strong; the name of a tribe
HSK 7, v, 6 strokes, radical 士, rank #4632, Very Hard
zhuàng(Zhuang4) T4
1Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the PRC's second most numerous ethnic group
2Zhuang: Bouxcuengh
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March 24, 2026
壮(壯)zhuàng(Zhuang4)
The character 壮 (zhuàng) primarily means 'strong' or 'robust,' and can refer to physical strength or a state of being large or powerful. It is also used to denote the Zhuang ethnic group, one of China's largest ethnic minorities, primarily found in Guangxi province. In various contexts, it can imply vigor and health.
Strokes6Radical士Frequency#4632DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The Zhuang ethnic group has a rich cultural heritage, including unique festivals and traditional songs that are celebrated in Guangxi. Knowing the term 壯 can enhance your understanding of the cultural diversity in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong warrior (壮) standing tall, embodying strength and power. The character has a 'mountain' radical that suggests height and robustness, and the sound 'zhuàng' can be remembered by picturing a giant (壮) who is 'larger than life'.
Meanings of 壮
zhuàng(Zhuang4)
1Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the PRC's second most numerous ethnic group
2Zhuang: Bouxcuengh
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 壮
壮Simplified
壯Traditional
6Strokes
士Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4632Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 壮
Podcast: 壮
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AI Study Notes for 壮
Quick Contrast
壮 (zhuàng) vs 强 (qiáng) — use 壮 when emphasizing physical robustness or size, while 强 focuses more on strength or intensity.
Usage Notes
壯 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone as it can change the meaning entirely. Combining it with other words, like 壯觀 (zhuàngguān) meaning 'magnificent', is a common mistake due to mispronunciation. Remember it is pronounced with a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 壯 is not commonly included in standard HSK vocabulary, it can enrich your vocabulary, especially when discussing cultural or ethnic topics. Focus on its usage in describing strength or robustness, and connect it with other adjectives of quality and health at similar levels.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 壮 with its similar-sounding character 状 (zhuàng), which means 'condition' or 'state'. For example, saying '我很状' (wǒ hěn zhuàng) instead of '我很壮' (wǒ hěn zhuàng) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 壮
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Phonosemantic compound. 士 represents the meaning and 丬 represents the sound. Simplified form of 壯.
1The meaning half士 carries the sense.
2The sound half丬 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaysoldier
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 壮? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 壮?
Decomposition of 壮
IDS Structure⿰丬士
壮Full Character
=
丬qiang2
left
士Shi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 壮?
How to say Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the PRC's second most numerous ethnic group in Chinese
“Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the PRC's second most numerous ethnic group” in Chinese is壮zhuàng
The character 壮 (zhuàng) primarily means 'strong' or 'robust,' and can refer to physical strength or a state of being large or powerful. It is also used to denote the Zhuang ethnic group, one of China's largest ethnic minorities, primarily found in Guangxi province. In various contexts, it can imply vigor and health.
When to use 壮
壯 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone as it can change the meaning entirely. Combining it with other words, like 壯觀 (zhuàngguān) meaning 'magnificent', is a common mistake due to mispronunciation. Remember it is pronounced with a falling tone.
壮 or something close to it
壮 (zhuàng) vs 强 (qiáng) — use 壮 when emphasizing physical robustness or size, while 强 focuses more on strength or intensity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 壮 with its similar-sounding character 状 (zhuàng), which means 'condition' or 'state'. For example, saying '我很状' (wǒ hěn zhuàng) instead of '我很壮' (wǒ hěn zhuàng) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 壮
壮
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Practice writing 壮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 壮
壮 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 6 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.
