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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
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About 尺子
尺子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#35615Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 尺子
Podcast: 尺子
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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
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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.
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.
'尺子' is primarily used for straight measurements; for angles, you would typically use a protractor, which is called '量角器' (liàng jiǎo qì).
You can say '我需要一个尺子来测量这条线' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè chǐ zi lái cèliàng zhè tiáo xiàn) meaning 'I need a ruler to measure this line.'
