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March 24, 2026
绳子(繩子)shéngzi(sheng2zi5)
The term '绳子' (shéngzi) refers to a cord, string, or rope, typically made from flexible materials. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as tying objects together, crafting, or in sports. The nuance lies in its versatility, as it can refer to anything from thin string to thick rope, depending on the specific usage.
Frequency#2870DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, ropes or cords are often used in traditional crafts and festivals, such as making decorative knots (中国结, zhōngguó jié) that symbolize good luck. The use of绳子 is also prevalent in outdoor activities like hiking or fishing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, winding rope that looks like the character '绳' itself, with its flowing lines resembling the twists and turns of the rope. The pronunciation 'shéng' sounds like 'shank,' as in the part of a rope that ties things together, helping you remember its meaning.
Meanings of 绳子
shéngzi(sheng2zi5)
1cord
2string
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 绳子
绳子Simplified
繩子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2870Frequency Rank
条Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 绳子
Podcast: 绳子
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AI Study Notes for 绳子
Quick Contrast
绳索 (shéngsuǒ) - use 绳子 for general cords and strings, while 绳索 often implies a thicker, stronger rope used for heavy-duty purposes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a long, winding rope that looks like the character '绳' itself, with its flowing lines resembling the twists and turns of the rope. The pronunciation 'shéng' sounds like 'shank,' as in the part of a rope that ties things together, helping you remember its meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing '绳子' with similar terms like '线' (xiàn), which means 'line' or 'thread.' This word is more informal and can be used in everyday conversation, while more technical terms may be used in specific contexts. Be careful with the tones: '绳' is second tone and '子' is fifth tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, '绳子' connects with other words related to physical objects and actions, such as '绑' (bǎng, to tie) and '拉' (lā, to pull). Students should focus on using it in practical sentences to describe actions involving tying or securing items.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, ropes or cords are often used in traditional crafts and festivals, such as making decorative knots (中国结, zhōngguó jié) that symbolize good luck. The use of绳子 is also prevalent in outdoor activities like hiking or fishing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say '绳' instead of '绳子,' forgetting the '子' that indicates it is a noun. Always remember to use '绳子' when referring to the item.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绳子
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Grammar Patterns of 绳子
绳子 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他用____把那个圈围了起来。
He used a rope to mark off the circle.
Example Sentences for 绳子 (10)
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1
他用绳子把那个圈围了起来。
tā yòng shéng zǐ bǎ nà gè quān wéi le qǐ lái。
He used a rope to mark off the circle.
2
国王只不过是给了这些政客自缚的绳子。
guó wáng zhī bù guò shì gěi le zhè xiē zhèng kè zì fù de shéng zǐ。
The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.
3
你应该用绳子围起一大片地方来卖票。
nǐ yīng gāi yòng shéng zǐ wéi qǐ yī dà piàn dì fāng lái mài piào。
The old peasant is twisting pieces of straw into a rope.
9
他关掉发动机,抓住系船的绳子。
tā guān diào fā dòng jī, , zhuā zhù xì chuán de shéng。
He cut the engine and grabbed the mooring lines.
10
我用绳子把自己系在烟囱上。
wǒ yòng shéng zǐ bǎ zì jǐ xì zài yān cōng shàng。
I roped myself to the chimney.
Cultural Notes for 绳子
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, ropes or cords are often used in traditional crafts and festivals, such as making decorative knots (中国结, zhōngguó jié) that symbolize good luck. The use of绳子 is also prevalent in outdoor activities like hiking or fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 绳子
'绳子' refers to thicker, more durable materials like ropes, while '线' refers to thinner threads or lines.
'绳子' is generally informal; for formal writing, consider using specific terms like '绳索' (shéngsuǒ) for rope.
Try associating 'shéng' with 'shank' and visualize tying knots with '子' resembling a small piece of string.