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簉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
簉zàosubordinate; deputy; concubinex, 16 strokes, radical ⺮
zào(zao4) T4
  1. 1subordinate; deputy; concubine
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March 24, 2026

簉zào(zao4)

The character 簉 (zào) refers to a subordinate or deputy, often in the context of someone serving under another's authority. It can also mean concubine, highlighting a role that is secondary or supportive in nature. This term is somewhat formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation.

Strokes16Radical⺮
Cultural Note

In historical Chinese society, the concept of concubines was significant in familial and social structures, reflecting the importance of lineage and hierarchy. The use of 簉 illustrates the nuanced roles women played in traditional households.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'zào' (sounds like 'sow') who is a deputy in charge of a farm. The character 簉 has a component that resembles a person (𠆢) beneath a roof (竹), suggesting someone who operates under the guidance of someone else, like a deputy or concubine living under a primary authority.

Meanings of 簉

zào(zao4)
1subordinate; deputy; concubine
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 簉

簉Simplified
16Strokes
⺮Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 簉

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AI Study Notes for 簉

Usage Notes

Be aware that 簉 is not commonly used in modern conversation; it often appears in historical or literary contexts. Learners might confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 造 (zào), which means 'to make' or 'to create.' Pay attention to the tone to avoid misinterpretation.

HSK Study Tips

While 簉 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of hierarchy found in HSK Level 4 words like 领导 (lǐngdǎo, 'leader') and 下属 (xiàshǔ, 'subordinate'). Focus on understanding the context in which these terms are used to build a deeper grasp of social structures in Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 簉 with similar words like 造 (zào) or 赞 (zàn). For example, saying '我有一个簉' (wǒ yǒu yī gè zào) when intending to say 'I have a subordinate' is incorrect; use 下属 instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 簉

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Etymology of 簉

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

bamboo

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

Origin

簉 = ⺮ + 造. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 簉

IDS Structure⿱⺮造
簉Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
造zao4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 簉?

How to say subordinate; deputy; concubine in Chinese

“subordinate; deputy; concubine” in Chinese is簉zào

The character 簉 (zào) refers to a subordinate or deputy, often in the context of someone serving under another's authority. It can also mean concubine, highlighting a role that is secondary or supportive in nature. This term is somewhat formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation.

When to use 簉

Be aware that 簉 is not commonly used in modern conversation; it often appears in historical or literary contexts. Learners might confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 造 (zào), which means 'to make' or 'to create.' Pay attention to the tone to avoid misinterpretation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 簉 with similar words like 造 (zào) or 赞 (zàn). For example, saying '我有一个簉' (wǒ yǒu yī gè zào) when intending to say 'I have a subordinate' is incorrect; use 下属 instead.

Write 簉

簉

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

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Word Family of 簉

Words Containing This Character1
簉zàodeputy

Frequently Asked Questions about 簉

下属 (xiàshǔ) refers specifically to subordinates in a professional or organizational context, while 簉 can also imply a personal or domestic subordinate, like a concubine.

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