Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
纵(縱)zòng(zong4)
The character 纵 (zòng) primarily means 'to release' or 'to indulge', but it also refers to the concept of 'vertical' or 'lengthwise', especially in contexts such as weaving where it describes the vertical threads. It can imply giving free rein to something or someone, as in allowing them to act without restraint. In geographical terms, it relates to the north-south orientation of lines of longitude.
Strokes7Radical纟Frequency#13429DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, understanding the concept of 纵 is essential as it directly relates to the craftsmanship of textiles, which is a significant part of Chinese heritage. The concept also ties into philosophies of allowing freedom in one's life and choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, vertical thread (纵) being released from a spool, representing the concept of indulgence and freedom. The character's two components, '纵' can remind you of a long path or line that extends vertically, emphasizing its connection to length and verticality.
Meanings of 纵
zòng(zong4)
1warp (the vertical threads in weaving)
2vertical
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 纵
纵Simplified
縱Traditional
7Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13429Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 纵
Podcast: 纵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 纵
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a long, vertical thread (纵) being released from a spool, representing the concept of indulgence and freedom. The character's two components, '纵' can remind you of a long path or line that extends vertically, emphasizing its connection to length and verticality.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 纵 with similar characters like 縱 (also pronounced zòng but used in different contexts). It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its nuanced meanings in different phrases. Ensure proper tone pronunciation, as a slip could change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 纵 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with other words relating to direction and dimensions. Students should focus on its dual meanings of indulgence and verticality, especially in contexts involving physical or abstract release.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese weaving, understanding the concept of 纵 is essential as it directly relates to the craftsmanship of textiles, which is a significant part of Chinese heritage. The concept also ties into philosophies of allowing freedom in one's life and choices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 纵 with the character 纵然 (zòngrán), which means 'even if'. For example, saying '我纵然去' instead of '我纵去' for 'I will indulge in going' is incorrect; the first means 'even if I go'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 纵
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 纵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 纵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 纵
纵 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 9 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.
She tore off two sections of paper towel and folded them lengthwise.
Cultural Notes for 纵
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese weaving, understanding the concept of 纵 is essential as it directly relates to the craftsmanship of textiles, which is a significant part of Chinese heritage. The concept also ties into philosophies of allowing freedom in one's life and choices.
Word Family of 纵
Words Containing This Character20
操纵cāozòngto operate操縱
纵zòngvertical縱
纵火to set on fire縱火
放纵fàngzòngto indulge放縱
纵容zòngróngto indulge縱容
纵横zònghéngcriss-crossed縱橫
纵向longitudinal縱向
纵火犯arsonist縱火犯
纵然zòngráneven if縱然
纵观zòngguānan overall survey縱觀
纵深zòngshēnspan (of time)縱深
纵使even if縱使
纵身to leap縱身
纵队column縱隊
纵情to your heart's content縱情
欲擒故纵In order to capture, one must let loose.欲擒故縱
稍纵即逝transient稍縱即逝
操纵杆joystick操縱桿
纵横交错zònghéngjiāocuòcriss-crossed (idiom)縱橫交錯
纵欲to indulge in debauchery縱慾
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 操纵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 纵
In weaving, 纵 refers to the vertical threads that run lengthwise in the fabric.
Yes, 纵 can mean to indulge someone, allowing them to act freely without restraint.
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its nuanced meanings.
