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竹子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
竹子zhúzibambooHSK 5, n, rank #14118, Hard
zhúzi(zhu2zi5) T2
  1. 1bamboo
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
竹子zhúzi(zhu2zi5)

竹子 (zhú zi) refers to bamboo, a type of fast-growing grass that is commonly found in Asia. It is significant in various contexts, including construction, crafts, and cuisine, often symbolizing resilience and flexibility in Chinese culture.

Frequency#14118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Bamboo holds a deep cultural significance in China, representing strength and integrity. It is often featured in traditional art and poetry, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a person.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall, green bamboo shoot standing strong in the wind. The character 竹 (zhú) looks like a tall stalk with leaves at the top, while 子 (zi) can remind you of a small child. Picture a child playing hide and seek among tall bamboo, emphasizing its height and significance.

Meanings of 竹子

zhúzi(zhu2zi5)
1bamboo
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 竹子

竹子Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#14118Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 竹子

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Podcast: 竹子

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AI Study Notes for 竹子

Quick Contrast

竹 (bamboo) vs 竹竿 (bamboo pole) — choose 竹子 for the plant itself, while 竹竿 refers specifically to a pole made from bamboo.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tall, green bamboo shoot standing strong in the wind. The character 竹 (zhú) looks like a tall stalk with leaves at the top, while 子 (zi) can remind you of a small child. Picture a child playing hide and seek among tall bamboo, emphasizing its height and significance.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tones when using 竹子 (zhú zi), as mispronouncing them can alter meanings. Common collocations include 竹子林 (bamboo forest) and 竹制品 (bamboo products). This term is generally informal, suitable for everyday conversation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 竹子 (zhú zi) connects with themes of nature and materials. Students should practice using it in sentences related to gardening or crafting, and familiarize themselves with its various classifiers like 棵 (kē) and 根 (gēn).

Cultural Note

Bamboo holds a deep cultural significance in China, representing strength and integrity. It is often featured in traditional art and poetry, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a person.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the tones, mistakenly saying 'zhu3 zi' instead of 'zhu2 zi.' Additionally, some may use the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一根竹子' instead of the correct '一棵竹子.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 竹子

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Component Characters

zhúbamboo
HSK 66 strokes
View full entry
zison
HSK 33 strokes
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Write 竹子

Practice writing 竹子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 竹子

竹子 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

那____突然弹回打在我的脸上.

The bamboo whipped back and hit me in the face.

Example Sentences for 竹子 (3)

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1
那竹子突然弹回打在我的脸上.

nà zhú zǐ tū rán dàn huí dǎ zài wǒ de liǎn shàng.

The bamboo whipped back and hit me in the face.
2
可惜的是,竹子开花后便会枯死。

kě xī de shì, , zhú zǐ kāi huā hòu biàn huì kū。

Sadly, bamboo plants die after flowering.
3
竹子很轻,因为它中间是空的.

zhú zǐ hěn qīng, , yīn wéi tā zhōng jiān shì kōng.

Bamboo is light because it is hollow.

Cultural Notes for 竹子

🏮Cultural insight

Bamboo holds a deep cultural significance in China, representing strength and integrity. It is often featured in traditional art and poetry, symbolizing the ideal qualities of a person.

Frequently Asked Questions about 竹子

You would say '竹子林' (zhú zi lín).