HSK 5, a, 10 strokes, radical 穴, rank #11030, Hard
窄
zhǎi
narrow-minded
HSK 5, a, 10 strokes, radical 穴, rank #11030, Hard
窄
zhǎi
badly off
HSK 5, a, 10 strokes, radical 穴, rank #11030, Hard
窄
zhǎi
narrow, tight; narrow-minded
HSK 5, a, 10 strokes, radical 穴, rank #11030, Hard
zhǎi(zhai3) T3
1narrow
2narrow-minded
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March 24, 2026
窄zhǎi(zhai3)
The character 窄 (zhǎi) primarily means 'narrow' or 'tight,' often used to describe physical spaces, such as roads or clothing. It can also refer to a person's mindset or outlook, indicating narrow-mindedness. In contexts of financial or social status, it can describe someone who is badly off or not well-off.
Strokes10Radical穴Frequency#11030DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, narrow-mindedness can be viewed negatively, often associated with inflexibility in social or familial contexts. The character is relevant in discussions about personal growth and openness to new ideas.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tight space, like a narrow alley, where two people can't pass by easily. The character 窄 has a '窓' (window) radical on the left, which can remind you of looking through a narrow window, emphasizing the constricted space. The pronunciation 'zhǎi' sounds like 'sigh' when you realize you can't fit through.
Meanings of 窄
zhǎi(zhai3)
1narrow
2narrow-minded
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 窄
窄Simplified
10Strokes
穴Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#11030Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 窄
Podcast: 窄
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AI Study Notes for 窄
Quick Contrast
窄 (zhǎi, narrow) vs 狭 (xiá, narrow) — use 窄 for physical dimensions and 狭 for figurative or metaphorical contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tight space, like a narrow alley, where two people can't pass by easily. The character 窄 has a '窓' (window) radical on the left, which can remind you of looking through a narrow window, emphasizing the constricted space. The pronunciation 'zhǎi' sounds like 'sigh' when you realize you can't fit through.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 窄 with 宽 (kuān), which means 'wide.' This word is generally informal but can be used in formal contexts. Common collocations include '道路窄' (narrow road) and '观点窄' (narrow viewpoint). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 窄 connects with other terms describing dimensions and qualities, such as 宽 (kuān) for 'wide' and 大 (dà) for 'big.' Focus on using this word in sentences that contrast width or describe limitations in space or thinking.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, narrow-mindedness can be viewed negatively, often associated with inflexibility in social or familial contexts. The character is relevant in discussions about personal growth and openness to new ideas.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窄 with 矮 (ǎi), which means 'short' in height. For example, saying '这个地方很矮' (This place is very short) instead of '这个地方很窄' (This place is very narrow) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窄
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Grammar Patterns of 窄
窄 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
As the dusk shaded into night, we drove slowly through narrow alleys.
10
他和其他10名犯人被囚禁在一间狭窄的牢房里。
tā hé qí tā10 10 míng fàn rén bèi qiú jīn zài yī jiān xiá zhǎi de láo fáng。
He is cooped up in a cramped cell with 10 other inmates.
Cultural Notes for 窄
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, narrow-mindedness can be viewed negatively, often associated with inflexibility in social or familial contexts. The character is relevant in discussions about personal growth and openness to new ideas.
Word Family of 窄
Compounds3
榨zha4variant of 榨[zhà]
搾
醡
Words Containing This Character7
窄zhǎinarrow
狭窄xiázhǎinarrow狹窄
宽窄width寬窄
冤家路窄lit. enemies on a narrow road (idiom); fig. an inevitable clash between opposing factions
窄狭narrow窄狹
心窄narrow-minded
宽打窄用to give oneself leeway (idiom)寬打窄用
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 榨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窄
You can say '这条路太窄了' (zhè tiáo lù tài zhǎi le) meaning 'This road is too narrow.'
No, it can also describe abstract concepts like opinions or mindsets.
