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箸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
箸zhùchopstickszg, 14 strokes, radical ⺮
zhù(zhu4) T4
  1. 1chopsticks
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March 24, 2026

箸(筯)zhù(zhu4)

The character 箸 (zhù) refers specifically to chopsticks, which are a traditional utensil used in Chinese cuisine for eating and serving food. While commonly used in everyday dining, this term can also be found in formal contexts such as menus and cooking classes.

Strokes14Radical⺮
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, chopsticks are not just utensils but also symbolize respect and tradition. The way chopsticks are placed on the table can convey good manners, such as not sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, which resembles funeral rituals.

Memory Tip

Imagine two sticks (the components of the character: bamboo and to hold) that are used to pick up food. 'Zhù' sounds like 'chew,' which reminds you that you use chopsticks to bring food to your mouth for chewing.

Meanings of 箸

zhù(zhu4)
1chopsticks
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 箸 means.

About 箸

箸Simplified
筯Traditional
14Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 箸

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Podcast: 箸

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AI Study Notes for 箸

Quick Contrast

筷子 (kuàizi) - Use 箸 (zhù) in formal contexts, while 筷子 (kuàizi) is more commonly used in casual conversation.

Usage Notes

Be mindful that '箸' is less commonly used than its variant '筷子' (kuàizi) in daily conversation. It's more formal, so use it in writing or when discussing traditional dining practices. Correct pronunciation is crucial; mispronouncing it as 'zhu4' can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Although not currently part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding '箸' can enhance your knowledge of dining-related terms. Focus on the connection between '箸' and other meal-related vocabulary, like '饭' (fàn, rice) and '菜' (cài, dishes).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '箸' with '筷子' (kuàizi), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我用箸吃饭' (Wǒ yòng zhù chīfàn) is less common; instead, use '筷子' for everyday contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 箸

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Jason Explains 箸 to You

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Etymology of 箸

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)者
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

箸 = ⺮ + 者. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 箸

IDS Structure⿱⺮者
箸Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
者zhe3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 箸?

How to say chopsticks in Chinese

“chopsticks” in Chinese is箸zhù

The character 箸 (zhù) refers specifically to chopsticks, which are a traditional utensil used in Chinese cuisine for eating and serving food. While commonly used in everyday dining, this term can also be found in formal contexts such as menus and cooking classes.

When to use 箸

Be mindful that '箸' is less commonly used than its variant '筷子' (kuàizi) in daily conversation. It's more formal, so use it in writing or when discussing traditional dining practices. Correct pronunciation is crucial; mispronouncing it as 'zhu4' can lead to confusion.

箸 or something close to it

筷子 (kuàizi) - Use 箸 (zhù) in formal contexts, while 筷子 (kuàizi) is more commonly used in casual conversation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '箸' with '筷子' (kuàizi), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我用箸吃饭' (Wǒ yòng zhù chīfàn) is less common; instead, use '筷子' for everyday contexts.

Write 箸

箸

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

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Word Family of 箸

Words Containing This Character2
箸zhùvariant of 箸[zhù]筯
借箸lit. to borrow chopsticks
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 箸

What does 借箸 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 箸

'箸' is more formal and may not be used as frequently as '筷子' (kuàizi), which is the common term for chopsticks in daily life.

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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.