Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
尺子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
尺子chǐziruleHSK 5, n, rank #35615, Hard
尺子chǐziruler (measuring instrument)HSK 5, n, rank #35615, Hard
chǐzi(chi3zi5) T3
  1. 1rule
  2. 2ruler (measuring instrument)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
尺子chǐzi(chi3zi5)

尺子 (chǐ zi) refers to a measuring instrument commonly used to measure length, such as a ruler. It is often utilized in both academic settings and everyday tasks, making it an essential tool in mathematics and design. In addition to its literal meaning, it can also metaphorically represent standards or measures in various contexts.

Frequency#35615DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese schools, students often carry their own '尺子' (ruler) as part of their stationary supplies, emphasizing the importance of precision in both educational and artistic contexts.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant '尺' (chǐ) shaped like a foot long, which is also a '子' (zi) that helps you measure everything from your desk to your height! This visual of a long measuring stick will help you remember the word and its pronunciation.

Meanings of 尺子

chǐzi(chi3zi5)
1rule
2ruler (measuring instrument)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 尺子

尺子Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#35615Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 尺子

JasonAmy

Podcast: 尺子

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 尺子

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant '尺' (chǐ) shaped like a foot long, which is also a '子' (zi) that helps you measure everything from your desk to your height! This visual of a long measuring stick will help you remember the word and its pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '尺子' (chǐ zi) with similar terms for different measuring tools, such as '量尺' (liàng chǐ) for tape measures. It's informal and used in everyday conversation, but can also be seen in classroom settings. Remember to use the correct measure word '把' (bǎ) when referring to a specific ruler.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, '尺子' connects well with other practical nouns related to tools and measurements that you may encounter. Focus on using this word in sentences related to school subjects or DIY projects to reinforce your understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese schools, students often carry their own '尺子' (ruler) as part of their stationary supplies, emphasizing the importance of precision in both educational and artistic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use '尺' (chǐ) alone to refer to a ruler, but the complete term '尺子' (chǐ zi) is necessary. For example, saying '我拿尺' (Wǒ ná chǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我拿尺子' (Wǒ ná chǐ zi).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 尺子

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 尺子 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

chěone of the characters used to represent a musical note in gongche notation, 工尺譜
HSK 64 strokes
View full entry
zison
HSK 33 strokes
View full entry

Write 尺子

Practice writing 尺子 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 尺子

尺子 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 2 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 5

Complete the Sentence

这把____上有厘米和英寸二种刻度.

This ruler has one scale in centimetres and another in inches.

Example Sentences for 尺子 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这把尺子上有厘米和英寸二种刻度.

zhè bǎ chǐ zǐ shàng yǒu lí mǐ hé yīng cùn èr zhǒng kè dù.

This ruler has one scale in centimetres and another in inches.
2
尺子裂开了,碎成了小片。

chǐ zǐ liè kāi le, , suì chéng le xiǎo。

The ruler cracked and splintered into pieces.
3
他用钢笔和尺子划了一条线.

tā yòng gāng bǐ hé chǐ zǐ huá le yī tiáo xiàn.

He drew a line with his pencil and ruler.

Cultural Notes for 尺子

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese schools, students often carry their own '尺子' (ruler) as part of their stationary supplies, emphasizing the importance of precision in both educational and artistic contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions about 尺子

'尺子' specifically refers to a ruler, while '量尺' (liàng chǐ) generally refers to tape measures or measuring tapes.