HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
to bind
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
bunch
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
bundle
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
classifier for bunches, bundles, beams of light etc
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
to control
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
束
shù
to bind, to control, to restrain; bale
HSK 5, nr, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #5980, Medium
shù(Shu4) T4
1to bind
2bunch
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March 24, 2026
束shù(Shu4)
The character 束 (shù) primarily means 'to bind' or 'to control.' It is commonly used to describe a bundle or bunch of items, such as flowers or sticks. In various contexts, it can convey the idea of restraint or control over something, making it versatile in both everyday language and more formal settings.
Strokes7Radical木Frequency#5980DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of binding or controlling is often reflected in traditional practices, such as the bundling of incense sticks during ceremonies, symbolizing unity and focus.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong rope binding a bunch of flowers together, creating a beautiful bouquet. The character 束 looks like a bundle with the top part resembling a tied knot, reminding you of the action of binding. The pronunciation 'shù' can be remembered by thinking of a 'shoo' sound as you shoo away something that is not controlled.
Meanings of 束
shù(Shu4)
1to bind
2bunch
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 束
束Simplified
7Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5980Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 束
Podcast: 束
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AI Study Notes for 束
Quick Contrast
束 (shù) vs 绑 (bǎng) — use 束 when referring to a bundle or collection, while 绑 specifically means to tie or fasten something.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong rope binding a bunch of flowers together, creating a beautiful bouquet. The character 束 looks like a bundle with the top part resembling a tied knot, reminding you of the action of binding. The pronunciation 'shù' can be remembered by thinking of a 'shoo' sound as you shoo away something that is not controlled.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 束 with similar characters like 束缚 (shùfù), which means to restrain. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely. It often collocates with words related to control or organization.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 束 connects to other terms involving control and organization, such as 约束 (yuēshù, to restrain). Students should focus on the various contexts in which 束 can be applied, particularly in idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of binding or controlling is often reflected in traditional practices, such as the bundling of incense sticks during ceremonies, symbolizing unity and focus.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 束 with its homophone 书 (shū, book), leading to misunderstanding in context. For example, saying '我买了一个束' (Wǒ mǎile yīgè shù) might incorrectly imply 'I bought a book' instead of 'I bought a bundle.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 束
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Grammar Patterns of 束
束 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 7 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.
Parliament returns to work today after its summer recess.
Cultural Notes for 束
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, flowers are often given in bundles (束). Each type of flower has its own meaning, making the choice of colors and types significant in gifting.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of binding or controlling is often reflected in traditional practices, such as the bundling of incense sticks during ceremonies, symbolizing unity and focus.
Word Family of 束
Compounds29
速su4fast
辣la4old variant of 辣[là]
悚song3scared, frightened
剌la2to slash, to cut in two; to contradict
敕chi4an imperial order or decree
頼
竦song3to revere, to respect; to be in awe of
欶shuo4to suck, to drink
涑su4a river in Shansi province
綀
脨
觫su4to start, to tremble with fear
踈
餗
鶒
凁
勅
娕
捒
梀
殐
疎
誎
賴lai4to depend on, to rely on; to bilk, to deny; poor
趚
辢
鋉
駷
鵣
Words Containing This Character20
结束jiéshùtermination結束
约束yuēshùto restrict約束
束shùto bind
束缚shùfùto bind束縛
装束attire裝束
束手无策lit. to have one's hands bound and be unable to do anything about it (idiom); fig. helpless in the face of a crisis束手無策
拘束jūshùto restrict
光束light beam
约束力(of a contract) binding (law)約束力
无拘无束unbuttoned無拘無束
花束bouquet
结束语concluding remarks結束語
束手就擒hands tied and waiting to be captured
管束restriction
束之高阁tied up in a bundle on a high shelf束之高閣
束腰girdle
电子束beam of electrons電子束
集束to cluster
束身submission
束手helpless
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 速 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 束
Yes, 束 (Shù) is a surname in China, though it is less common compared to other surnames. Like many Chinese surnames, it has historical significance and may be associated with certain regions or clans.
The classifier for 束 (shù) is also 束, which is used for quantifying items that come in bundles, such as a bundle of sticks or a bunch of grapes. It is important to use the correct classifier to convey the right meaning in your sentences.
束 (shù) can mean a bunch or bundle, and it is also used as a classifier for items that come in a group, such as flowers or beams of light. Additionally, it can refer to controlling or restraining something. The character is also a surname in Chinese culture.
You can use 束 (shù) in a sentence to describe a group of items, such as '一束花' (yī shù huā), meaning 'a bunch of flowers.' It can also be used in expressions related to control, like '束缚' (shùfù), meaning 'to bind or restrict.'
Common phrases include 束缚 (shùfù, to restrain) and 束手无策 (shùshǒuwúcè, to be at a loss).
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to discuss control over emotions or situations.
It is pronounced with a falling tone, shù, similar to the sound 'shoo' but with a downward inflection.
