Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
浊(濁)zhuó(zhuo2)
The character 浊 (zhuó) refers to something that is turbid, muddy, or impure, often used to describe liquids such as water that are not clear. It can also metaphorically describe things that are contaminated or morally impure. This term is commonly encountered in environmental discussions or when discussing the quality of substances.
Strokes9Radical氵Frequency#51428DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, water quality is an important issue, particularly given the country's efforts to combat pollution. The term 浊 is often used in media reports discussing environmental challenges, reflecting the societal concern for clean water.
Memory Tip
Imagine a muddy river where the water is not clear, symbolizing the character 浊. The left side (氵) represents water, while the right side (著) can remind you of something that is 'marked' or 'tainted.' Together, they evoke a vivid image of dirty water, making it easier to recall the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 浊
zhuó(zhuo2)
1turbid
2muddy
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 浊
浊Simplified
濁Traditional
9Strokes
氵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#51428Frequency Rank
Podcast: 浊
Podcast: 浊
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 浊
Quick Contrast
浊 (zhuó) vs 混 (hùn) — use 浊 for describing turbid or impure liquids specifically, while 混 can refer to a mixture or blending of substances.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a muddy river where the water is not clear, symbolizing the character 浊. The left side (氵) represents water, while the right side (著) can remind you of something that is 'marked' or 'tainted.' Together, they evoke a vivid image of dirty water, making it easier to recall the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 浊 with 清 (qīng), which means 'clear' or 'pure.' It's important to use 浊 in contexts involving impurities or dirtiness. Additionally, this word is more formal and may not be used in casual conversation; instead, phrases like 脏 (zāng) may be preferred for everyday use.
HSK Study Tips
While 浊 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK Level 4 vocabulary concerning environmental terms and health. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in context, especially when discussing water quality or environmental issues.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, water quality is an important issue, particularly given the country's efforts to combat pollution. The term 浊 is often used in media reports discussing environmental challenges, reflecting the societal concern for clean water.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 浊 to describe clear substances, like saying '这个水很浊' (This water is very turbid) when referring to clear water. The correct usage would be '这个水很清' (This water is very clear).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 浊
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 浊 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 浊 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 浊
浊 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 4 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 2
Complete the Sentence
它的碗具粗糙,空气混____, 汤菜淡如水,餐巾薄如绢.
Its crockery and atmosphere were thick; its soup and napery thin.
Example Sentences for 浊 (2)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
它的碗具粗糙,空气混浊, 汤菜淡如水,餐巾薄如绢.
tā de wǎn jù cū cāo, , kōng qì hùn, zhuó , tāng cài dàn, rú shuǐ , cān jīn.
Its crockery and atmosphere were thick; its soup and napery thin.
2
她把它扔进了混浊的河水深处.
tā bǎ tā rēng jìn le hùn zhuó de hé shuǐ shēn chǔ.
She threw it into the river's murky depths.
Cultural Notes for 浊
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, water quality is an important issue, particularly given the country's efforts to combat pollution. The term 浊 is often used in media reports discussing environmental challenges, reflecting the societal concern for clean water.
Word Family of 浊
Words Containing This Character13
污浊dirty污濁
浑浊muddy渾濁
浊zhuóturbid濁
混浊hùnzhuóturbid混濁
浊音voiced consonant (English z or v, as opposed to unvoiced s or f)濁音
浊度turbidity濁度
浊流turbid flow濁流
浊世the world in chaos濁世
激浊扬清eliminate vice and exalt virtue激濁揚清
白浊gonorrhea (TCM term)白濁
浊积岩turbidite (geology)濁積岩
恶浊filthy惡濁
扬清激浊eliminate vice and exalt virtue揚清激濁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 污浊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 浊
You can say '这条河水很浊' (This river's water is very turbid).
The opposite is 清 (qīng), which means clear or pure.
While it primarily describes liquids, it can also refer to metaphorical impurities in other contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 浊?
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.
