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March 24, 2026
突出tūchū(tu1chu1)
突出 (tūchū) means to stand out or be prominent in a particular context. It can refer to both physical protrusions, like an object sticking out, or metaphorical prominence, such as a person excelling in their field. This term is often used to highlight features or qualities that are particularly notable.
Frequency#6435DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of standing out is often associated with collective harmony versus individualism. Therefore, while someone may be highlighted for their achievements, there may also be an expectation to remain humble and not overly boastful.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mountain (山) that suddenly juts out of the ground, making it very noticeable. The two characters 突 (tū) and 出 (chū) can be visualized as 'breaking through' the ground and 'emerging into view'. This image helps connect the pronunciation 'tūchū' with the meaning of protruding or standing out.
Meanings of 突出
tūchū(tu1chu1)
1prominent
2outstanding
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About 突出
突出Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6435Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 突出
Podcast: 突出
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AI Study Notes for 突出
Quick Contrast
突出 (tūchū) vs 显著 (xiǎnzhù) — use 突出 for physical prominence or standout qualities, while 显著 is more suited for significant, noticeable results or effects.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain (山) that suddenly juts out of the ground, making it very noticeable. The two characters 突 (tū) and 出 (chū) can be visualized as 'breaking through' the ground and 'emerging into view'. This image helps connect the pronunciation 'tūchū' with the meaning of protruding or standing out.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone; the first syllable is pronounced with a high level tone, while the second syllable has a high rising tone. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of its application in written versus spoken language. Common collocations include 突出表现 (tūchū biǎoxiàn - outstanding performance) and 突出特点 (tūchū tèdiǎn - prominent features).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 突出 connects well with other words relating to qualities and characteristics, such as 明显 (míngxiǎn - obvious) and 突然 (tūrán - sudden). Focus on using it in descriptive contexts to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of standing out is often associated with collective harmony versus individualism. Therefore, while someone may be highlighted for their achievements, there may also be an expectation to remain humble and not overly boastful.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 突出 with 特色 (tèsè), which means special characteristics rather than prominence. For instance, saying '他的特色突出' is incorrect; it should be '他的表现突出' to convey outstanding performance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 突出
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Grammar Patterns of 突出
突出 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
The Zhangqiu green onion has high, long, crisp, the sweet prominent characteristic.
9
丹宁柔和, 突出了持久回味及甜润的果香.
dān níng róu hé, , tū chū le chí jiǔ huí wèi jí tián rùn de guǒ.
Full flavored , velvet tannins enhance the long, sweet fruit finish.
10
这个鸟具有几种突出的特征.
zhè gè niǎo jù yǒu jī zhǒng tū chū de tè zhēng.
This bird has several distinctive features.
Cultural Notes for 突出
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the idea of standing out is often associated with collective harmony versus individualism. Therefore, while someone may be highlighted for their achievements, there may also be an expectation to remain humble and not overly boastful.
Frequently Asked Questions about 突出
You can say, '他的表现非常突出' (tā de biǎoxiàn fēicháng tūchū) meaning 'His performance is very outstanding.'
While it is often used to describe positive qualities, it can also refer to negative aspects, such as a突出的问题 (tūchū de wèntí - a prominent problem).
突出 emphasizes a sense of standing out while 显著 (xiǎnzhù) often refers to something being noticeable or evident.
