unknown, 7 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #16879, Very Hard
zhǒu(zhou3) T3
1elbow, shoulder; to help someone carry a load
2pork shoulder
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March 24, 2026
肘zhǒu(zhou3)
The character 肘 (zhǒu) primarily means 'elbow,' referring to the joint that connects the upper arm and forearm. It can also denote 'shoulder' in certain contexts, and is used in phrases related to assisting someone with a load, often symbolizing support or help. Additionally, it refers to 'pork shoulder' in culinary terms.
Strokes7Radical⺼Frequency#16879DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the elbow (肘) is considered significant for various health practices, including acupuncture, where specific points on the elbow are believed to influence overall health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong arm with a pronounced elbow (肘) that helps lift a heavy load. The character has the radical 肉 (meat), suggesting that it relates to the body, while the pronunciation 'zhǒu' sounds like 'show,' as in showing off your strong elbow!
Meanings of 肘
zhǒu(zhou3)
1elbow, shoulder; to help someone carry a load
2pork shoulder
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 肘
肘Simplified
7Strokes
⺼Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 肘
Podcast: 肘
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AI Study Notes for 肘
Usage Notes
This character is generally used in informal contexts when referring to body parts. A common mistake is confusing 肘 (zhǒu) with other similar-sounding words; ensure to use the correct tone (third tone) and context. It often appears in phrases like '肘部' (elbow part) or '肘子' (pork shoulder).
HSK Study Tips
Although 肘 (zhǒu) is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be learned alongside body part terms at the beginner level. Focus on pronunciation and common collocations to increase familiarity with similar words.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肘 (zhǒu) with the similar-sounding 走 (zǒu, to walk). Remember that 肘 refers to the elbow, while 走 indicates movement. It's also common to mispronounce the tone, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肘
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
How to say elbow, shoulder; to help someone carry a load in Chinese
“elbow, shoulder; to help someone carry a load” in Chinese is肘zhǒu
The character 肘 (zhǒu) primarily means 'elbow,' referring to the joint that connects the upper arm and forearm. It can also denote 'shoulder' in certain contexts, and is used in phrases related to assisting someone with a load, often symbolizing support or help. Additionally, it refers to 'pork shoulder' in culinary terms.
When to use 肘
This character is generally used in informal contexts when referring to body parts. A common mistake is confusing 肘 (zhǒu) with other similar-sounding words; ensure to use the correct tone (third tone) and context. It often appears in phrases like '肘部' (elbow part) or '肘子' (pork shoulder).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 肘 (zhǒu) with the similar-sounding 走 (zǒu, to walk). Remember that 肘 refers to the elbow, while 走 indicates movement. It's also common to mispronounce the tone, leading to misunderstandings.
Write 肘
肘
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Practice writing 肘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 肘
肘 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
坐立时，把胳膊____靠在扶手上。
When you are sitting, keep your elbow on the arm rest.
Example Sentences for 肘 (10)
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1
坐立时，把胳膊肘靠在扶手上。
zuò lì shí， ， bǎ gē bó zhǒu kào zài fú shǒu。
When you are sitting, keep your elbow on the arm rest.
