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March 24, 2026
奏zòu(zou4)
The character 奏 (zòu) primarily means 'to play music' or 'to perform.' It is often used in formal contexts, such as in classical music or traditional performances. Additionally, it can refer to the act of presenting reports or memorials, especially in historical contexts involving emperors.
Strokes9Radical大Frequency#10399DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese court culture, musicians would often perform for emperors, making the act of 奏 not just a musical performance, but a significant cultural event signaling loyalty and artistry.
Memory Tip
Imagine a musician in a grand palace, playing an exquisite piece on a traditional instrument. The character 奏 has the radical for 'to play' (奏) resembling a musical note, while the 'zòu' sound can remind you of 'zoo,' where animals perform for an audience.
Meanings of 奏
zòu(zou4)
1to play music
2to achieve
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 奏
奏Simplified
9Strokes
大Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10399Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 奏
Podcast: 奏
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AI Study Notes for 奏
Quick Contrast
奏 (zòu) vs 演 (yǎn) — use 奏 when referring specifically to playing music or formal performances, while 演 is broader and can refer to acting or performing in general.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a musician in a grand palace, playing an exquisite piece on a traditional instrument. The character 奏 has the radical for 'to play' (奏) resembling a musical note, while the 'zòu' sound can remind you of 'zoo,' where animals perform for an audience.
Usage Notes
While 奏 is often used in formal contexts, beginners may confuse it with similar characters like 唱 (chàng, to sing). Be mindful of the tone; zòu is the fourth tone, which can change the meaning if pronounced incorrectly. Common collocations include '奏乐' (zòu yuè, to play music) and '奏折' (zòu zhé, to present a memorial).
HSK Study Tips
Although 奏 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK 4 vocabulary related to music and performance. Focus on understanding its use in formal settings and how it pairs with other musical terms you learn.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese court culture, musicians would often perform for emperors, making the act of 奏 not just a musical performance, but a significant cultural event signaling loyalty and artistry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 奏 in casual contexts, where more common terms like 听音乐 (tīng yīnyuè, to listen to music) would be appropriate. For example, saying '我想奏音乐' (wǒ xiǎng zòu yīnyuè) sounds awkward; it would be better to say '我想听音乐.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奏
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Grammar Patterns of 奏
奏 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 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 4
Complete the Sentence
演____钢琴的戴夫将这支曲子反复弹了两三遍。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
Example Sentences for 奏 (10)
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1
演奏钢琴的戴夫将这支曲子反复弹了两三遍。
yǎn zòu gāng qín de dài fū jiāng zhè zhī qū zǐ fǎn fù dàn le liǎng sān biàn。
Dave, the pianist, played it over a couple of times.
2
这支管弦乐队呈现了精彩的演奏，堪称其多年来的巅峰演奏。
zhè zhī guǎn xián lè duì chéng xiàn le jīng cǎi de yǎn zòu， ， kān chēng qí duō nián lái de diān fēng yǎn。
The orchestra contrived to produce some of its best playing for years.
3
这位领导人也学会了演奏得更加优美动听。
zhè wèi lǐng dǎo rén yě xué huì le yǎn zòu dé gēng jiā yōu měi dòng tīng。
The leader has also learned to play more melodically.
4
一名身穿晚礼服的表演者用小提琴演奏了几段古典音乐。
yī míng shēn chuān wǎn lǐ fú de biǎo yǎn zhě yòng xiǎo tí qín yǎn zòu le jī duàn gǔ diǎn yīn lè。
A performer in evening dress plays classical selections on the violin.
5
有些段落他演奏得异常徐缓，听上去有些忧伤。
yǒu xiē duàn luò tā yǎn zòu dé yì cháng xú huǎn， ， tīng shàng qù yǒu xiē yōu。
He plays some passages so slowly that they become lugubrious.
6
他的小号演奏独创一格。
tā de xiǎo hào yǎn zòu dú chuàng yī gé。
His playing as a trumpet player was quite revolutionary.
7
那种方法不奏效的时候，他们有时会想到要寻求帮助。
nà zhǒng fāng fǎ bù zòu xiào de shí hòu， ， tā mén yǒu shí huì xiǎng dào yào xún qiú bāng。
When that doesn't work they sometimes have the sense to seek help.
Play the piece over and over until you do it right.
9
开始演奏前, 哈利先行调好他的班卓琴.
kāi shǐ yǎn zòu qián, , hā lì xiān háng tiáo hǎo tā de bān zhuó.
Before he began to play, Harry tuned up his banjo.
10
这些方法中有一些会奏效，其他的则行不通。
zhè xiē fāng fǎ zhōng yǒu yī xiē huì zòu xiào， ， qí tā de zé háng bù。
Some of these methods will work. Others will not.
Cultural Notes for 奏
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese court culture, musicians would often perform for emperors, making the act of 奏 not just a musical performance, but a significant cultural event signaling loyalty and artistry.
Word Family of 奏
Compounds7
揍zou4to beat up
凑cou4to gather together, pool or collect
湊cou4to piece together, to assemble
腠cou4subcutaneous tissue
辏cou4wheel hub; to converge
楱zou4
輳
Words Containing This Character20
节奏jiézòurhythm節奏
演奏yǎnzòuto perform on a musical instrument
奏zòuto achieve
奏效zòuxiàoeffective
伴奏bànzòuto accompany (musically)
弹奏to play (musical instrument, esp. string)彈奏
前奏prelude
独奏solo獨奏
协奏曲concerto協奏曲
吹奏to play (wind instruments)
奏鸣曲sonata奏鳴曲
奏乐to perform music奏樂
奏折memorial to the emperor (folded in accordion form)奏摺
合奏to perform music (as an ensemble)
重奏musical ensemble of several instruments (e.g. duet 二重奏 or trio 三重奏)
四重奏quartet (musical ensemble)
变奏variation變奏
先斩后奏first decapitate then present your trophy (idiom); act first, report later先斬後奏
演奏者performer
二重奏duet (in music)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 揍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奏
While both mean 'to play,' 奏 is more formal and often associated with traditional music, while 演奏 (yǎnzòu) is more general and can refer to any performance.
It's primarily used in formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversations about music.
Common phrases include '奏乐' (to play music) and '奏折' (to present a memorial).
