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猪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhūhogHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, radical 犭, rank #1403, Medium
zhūpigHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, radical 犭, rank #1403, Medium
zhūswineHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, radical 犭, rank #1403, Medium
zhū>头[tóu]HSK 5, n, 11 strokes, radical 犭, rank #1403, Medium
zhūpig, hog, wild boarHSK 5, n, 11 strokes, radical 犭, rank #1403, Medium
zhū(zhu1) T1
  1. 1hog
  2. 2pig
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(豬)zhū(zhu1)

The character 猪 (zhū) refers to a pig or hog, commonly associated with livestock and farming. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions relating to gluttony or indulgence. In Chinese culture, the pig is one of the twelve zodiac animals, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#1403DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, pigs are often seen as symbols of wealth and abundance, especially during the Lunar New Year when pig-themed decorations and foods are common. The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is considered a lucky year.

Memory Tip

Imagine a big, round pig (猪) rolling in the mud, making a 'zhū' sound as it goes. The character's form resembles a pig's body with a big belly, emphasizing its round shape and gluttonous nature.

Meanings of 猪

zhū(zhu1)
1hog
2pig
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 猪

Simplified
Traditional
11Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1403Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 猪

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Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 猪

Quick Contrast

猪 (zhū) vs 兔 (tù) — choose 猪 when referring to pigs, while 兔 refers specifically to rabbits.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a big, round pig (猪) rolling in the mud, making a 'zhū' sound as it goes. The character's form resembles a pig's body with a big belly, emphasizing its round shape and gluttonous nature.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 猪; it's pronounced with a high level tone (zhū). Common collocations include phrases like 猪肉 (zhūròu, 'pork') and 猪圈 (zhūjuàn, 'pigpen'). This term is generally informal, so avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 猪 connects with other food-related terms and animal names. Focus on expanding your vocabulary related to agriculture and food, as well as idiomatic expressions that include this character.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, pigs are often seen as symbols of wealth and abundance, especially during the Lunar New Year when pig-themed decorations and foods are common. The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is considered a lucky year.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 猪 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, some might say 'zhū' instead of the correct 'zhū' when using it in sentences. Always double-check your tones to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 猪

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Etymology of 猪

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 者 represents the sound. Simplified form of 豬.

Memory Hint

animal

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 猪?

Decomposition of 猪

IDS Structure⿰犭者
Full Character
=
quan3
left
zhe3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 猪?

Write 猪

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 猪

猪 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

我们惊动了一只一直在路边觅食的野____。

We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.

Common Confusions with 猪

vs
zhū

Same pronunciation but different meanings.

vs
zhù

Similar sound but different usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "hog"?

or

Usage Notes for 猪

Confusing with other animalsCommon Error

Students often confuse 猪 with other farm animals like 牛 (cow) or 羊 (sheep).

1

我喜欢吃猪肉,而不是牛肉。

I like to eat pork, not beef.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

我喜欢吃____肉,而不是牛肉。

I like to eat pork, not beef.

Example Sentences for 猪 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我们惊动了一只一直在路边觅食的野猪。

wǒ mén jīng dòng le yī zhī yī zhí zài lù biān mì shí de yě zhū。

We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.
2
杀了猪,猪腿挂在天花板上风干。

shā le zhū, , zhū tuǐ guà zài tiān huā bǎn shàng fēng。

Pigs were butchered, hams were hung to dry from the ceiling.
3
约翰尼·沃里克在亚拉巴马州有个养猪场。

yuē hàn ní· · wò lǐ kè zài yà lā bā mǎ zhōu yǒu gè yǎng zhū。

Johnny Warrick has a hog farm in Alabama.
4
这些小猪被从母猪身边带走,好育肥上市。

zhè xiē xiǎo zhū bèi cóng mǔ zhū shēn biān dài zǒu, , hǎo yù féi shàng。

The piglets are taken from the sow to be fattened for market.
5
那头猪突然嗷嗷叫着狂奔起来。

nà tóu zhū tū rán áo áo jiào zháo kuáng bēn qǐ lái。

The pig rose squealing and bolted.
6
在火上熏制猪腿。

zài huǒ shàng xūn zhì zhū tuǐ。

Legs of pork were cured and smoked over the fire.
7
野猪很容易和家猪杂交。

yě zhū hěn róng yì hé jiā zhū zá jiāo。

Wild boar readily hybridises with the domestic pig.
8
“一只会说话的猪!”他大声叫道,“哎呀,真是怪事。”

“ “ yī zhī huì shuō huà de!” zhū !” tā dà shēng,“ jiào dào, ,“ āi yā ,。”

"A talking pig!" he exclaimed. "Well, I'll be darned."
9
猪在院子里哼哼地叫个不停。

zhū zài yuàn zǐ lǐ hēng hēng dì jiào gè bù tíng。

Pigs were grunting and squealing in the yard.
10
农民用厨房里的残羹剩饭喂猪.

nóng mín yòng chú fáng lǐ de cán gēng shèng fàn wèi zhū.

Farmers feed kitchen leftovers to the pigs.

Cultural Notes for 猪

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, pigs are often seen as symbols of wealth and abundance, especially during the Lunar New Year when pig-themed decorations and foods are common. The Year of the Pig in the Chinese zodiac is considered a lucky year.

Word Family of 猪

Compounds3
zhu1a wooden peg, post, or stick
zhu1pond, pool
Words Containing This Character16
zhūhog
猪肉pork豬肉
猪头pig head豬頭
野猪wild boar (Sus scrofa)野豬
猪排pork ribs豬排
仔猪piglet仔豬
猪油lard豬油
猪圈pigsty (lit. and fig.)豬圈
猪蹄pig trotters豬蹄
猪八戒Pigsy in Arthur Waley's translation豬八戒
猪场piggery豬場
猪年Year of the Boar (e.g. 2007)豬年
乳猪suckling pig乳豬
豪猪porcupine豪豬
毛猪live pig毛豬
猪狗不如lower than low豬狗不如
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 橥 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 猪

Yes, there are several idioms that include the character 猪. One popular example is '猪八戒' (Zhū Bājiè), which refers to a famous character from the classic novel 'Journey to the West.' This term is often used colloquially to describe someone who is gluttonous or lazy.