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竺 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
竺zhúsurname Zhuunknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺zhúIndia; bamboo; surnamenr, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺zhúBuddhism (archaic)unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺zhúabbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺dǔsurname Zhuunknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺dǔIndia; bamboo; surnamenr, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺dǔBuddhism (archaic)unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
竺dǔabbr. for 天竺[Tian1 zhu2] India (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)unknown, 8 strokes, radical ⺮, rank #82543, Very Hard
dǔ(du3)
primary
 T3
  1. 1surname Zhu
  2. 2India; bamboo; surname
Also a Chinese surname, Zhu — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

竺dǔ(du3)

The character 竺 (dǔ) primarily refers to India and is often used in historical or cultural contexts, particularly in relation to Buddhism. It can also denote bamboo and is a surname, indicating its versatility in usage within different contexts, especially in literary or classical references.

Strokes8Radical⺮Frequency#82543DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In ancient China, 竺 was often associated with the introduction of Buddhism from India, and it played a significant role in the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, influencing Chinese philosophy and arts.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bamboo plant standing tall, representing India, where Buddhism flourished. The character 竺 resembles a tall bamboo stalk (竹) with an additional element, symbolizing the depth of India's cultural heritage.

Meanings of 竺

dǔ(du3)
primary
1India; bamboo; surname
2Buddhism (archaic)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 竺 means.

About 竺

竺Simplified
8Strokes
⺮Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 竺

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Podcast: 竺

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AI Study Notes for 竺

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 竺 with similar sounding characters like 笃 (dǔ), which has a different meaning. It is typically used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation, making it more formal. Common collocations include references to Buddhism or ancient texts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 竺 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK-level words related to culture and geography. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and its relationship with Buddhism to enrich their vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 竺 with 笃 (dǔ), leading to incorrect usage in sentences related to India or Buddhism. For example, saying '我去笃看寺庙' (I go to dǔ to see the temple) should be corrected to '我去竺看寺庙'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 竺

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Etymology of 竺

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A kind 二 of bamboo ⺮; ⺮ also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 竺?

Decomposition of 竺

IDS Structure⿱⺮二
竺Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
二er4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 竺?

How to say surname Zhu in Chinese

“surname Zhu” in Chinese is竺zhú

The character 竺 (dǔ) primarily refers to India and is often used in historical or cultural contexts, particularly in relation to Buddhism. It can also denote bamboo and is a surname, indicating its versatility in usage within different contexts, especially in literary or classical references.

When to use 竺

Be careful not to confuse 竺 with similar sounding characters like 笃 (dǔ), which has a different meaning. It is typically used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation, making it more formal. Common collocations include references to Buddhism or ancient texts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 竺 with 笃 (dǔ), leading to incorrect usage in sentences related to India or Buddhism. For example, saying '我去笃看寺庙' (I go to dǔ to see the temple) should be corrected to '我去竺看寺庙'.

Write 竺

竺

Practice writing 竺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 竺

竺 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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这是天____葵和矮牵牛盛开的时节。

This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.

Example Sentences for 竺 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这是天竺葵和矮牵牛盛开的时节。

zhè shì tiān zhú kuí hé ǎi qiān niú shèng kāi de shí jié。

This is when geraniums and petunias come into their own.
2
鲜艳的红色和粉色的天竺葵从我家的阳台上直挂下去。

xiān yàn de hóng sè hé fěn sè de tiān zhú kuí cóng wǒ jiā de yáng tái shàng zhí guà xià qù。

Vivid red and pink geraniums cascade over my balcony.

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Word Family of 竺

Words Containing This Character6
天竺the Indian subcontinent (esp. in Tang or Buddhist context)
竺dǔsurname Zhu
天竺鼠cavy
天竺葵geranium (Pelargonium hortorum)
竺可桢Zhu Kezhen (1890-1974), Chinese metereologist and geologist竺可楨
竺法Buddhist doctrine
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 竺

What does 天竺 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 竺

竺 refers to India and is often associated with Buddhism and bamboo.

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