Meanings of 蛰
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蛰
Podcast: 蛰
Podcast: 蛰
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 蛰
When using 蛰, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs that imply inactivity in a different context. It is generally formal and may not be widely used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 蛰伏 (zhé fú, to hibernate) or 蛰眠 (zhé mián, to sleep in a dormant state).
Although 蛰 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects with other nature-related verbs at the advanced level. Focus on the context of dormancy and how it relates to seasonal changes in Chinese culture.
Learners often confuse 蛰 with 冬眠 (dōngmián), which specifically means 'to hibernate' as a winter phenomenon. For example, saying '动物在冬眠' is correct, but using 蛰 in informal speech can sound overly formal.
Pronunciation of 蛰
Drill the tone of 蛰 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 蛰
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 执 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蟄.
insect
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 蛰
Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 执 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蟄.
- 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half执 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayinsect
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 蛰? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蛰?
Decomposition of 蛰
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 蛰?
How to say to hibernate in Chinese
“to hibernate” in Chinese is蛰
The verb 蛰 (zhé) means 'to hibernate' or 'to enter a dormant state.' It is often used in the context of animals or plants that temporarily cease their activity to conserve energy during unfavorable conditions, such as winter. This term can also metaphorically describe a person who is inactive or withdrawn for a period.
When to use 蛰
When using 蛰, be careful not to confuse it with similar verbs that imply inactivity in a different context. It is generally formal and may not be widely used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 蛰伏 (zhé fú, to hibernate) or 蛰眠 (zhé mián, to sleep in a dormant state).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 蛰 with 冬眠 (dōngmián), which specifically means 'to hibernate' as a winter phenomenon. For example, saying '动物在冬眠' is correct, but using 蛰 in informal speech can sound overly formal.
Write 蛰
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 蛰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 蛰
Compound Meaning
What does 蛰 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蛰
You can say '动物在冬天会选择蛰伏' (Animals choose to hibernate in winter).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 蛰?
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.