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March 24, 2026
逐zhú(zhu2)
The character 逐 (zhú) primarily means 'to pursue' or 'to chase.' It is often used in contexts where something is being followed or sought after, such as in competitive scenarios or when describing efforts to reach a goal. Additionally, it can imply a step-by-step approach to achieving something.
Strokes10Radical辶Frequency#15285DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of pursuing goals step by step is often emphasized in traditional education and personal development, reflecting a mindset of perseverance and gradual progress.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person (the character 逐) chasing after a rabbit (the radical '走' which indicates movement) in a field. The '之' component at the end can be visualized as the rabbit's tail, reminding you that you are pursuing something with each step.
Meanings of 逐
zhú(zhu2)
1to pursue
2to chase
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 逐
逐Simplified
10Strokes
辶Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#15285Frequency Rank
Podcast: 逐
Podcast: 逐
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AI Study Notes for 逐
Quick Contrast
追 (zhuī) - use 逐 (zhú) when emphasizing a methodical or step-by-step pursuit, while 追 (zhuī) focuses more on the act of chasing itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person (the character 逐) chasing after a rabbit (the radical '走' which indicates movement) in a field. The '之' component at the end can be visualized as the rabbit's tail, reminding you that you are pursuing something with each step.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 逐 with similar-sounding characters like '住' (zhù), which means 'to live' or 'to stay.' 逐 is more commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about goals and strategies. Common collocations include 逐步 (zhúbù - step by step) and 逐渐 (zhújiàn - gradually).
HSK Study Tips
While 逐 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with HSK Level 3 words related to movement and action. Focus on its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions to enhance your understanding of contextual applications.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of pursuing goals step by step is often emphasized in traditional education and personal development, reflecting a mindset of perseverance and gradual progress.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 逐 in informal contexts where simpler words would suffice. For instance, saying '我逐他' (Wǒ zhú tā - I pursue him) sounds awkward; the more common phrase would be '我追他' (Wǒ zhuī tā - I chase him).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 逐
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Grammar Patterns of 逐
逐 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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 drugs work well at first but gradually lose their effectiveness.
5
内政部通常会迅速地将不受欢迎人士驱逐出境。
nèi zhèng bù tōng cháng huì xùn sù dì jiāng bù shòu huān yíng rén shì qū zhú chū jìng。
The Home Office is usually quick to deport undesirables.
6
他们说，当前的征兵体系应当逐步废除。
tā mén shuō， ， dāng qián de zhēng bīng tǐ xì yīng dāng zhú bù fèi。
They said the present system of military conscription should be phased out.
7
鲁德尼茨基将军是众多被放逐的波兰人精神上的引路人。
lǔ dé ní cí jī jiāng jūn shì zhòng duō bèi fàng zhú de bō lán rén jīng shén shàng de yǐn lù rén。
General Rudnicki was a moral beacon for many exiled Poles.
8
浅滩上的潮水逐渐退去。
qiǎn tān shàng de cháo shuǐ zhú jiàn tuì qù。
The tidal stream or current gradually decreases in the shallows.
9
戴维和盖伊一起把协议逐条看了一遍.
dài wéi hé gài yī yī qǐ bǎ xié yì zhú tiáo kàn le yī biàn.
David ran through the agreement with Guy, point by point.
10
在心理治疗中，她开始逐渐放下对麦克的痴迷。
zài xīn lǐ zhì liáo zhōng， ， tā kāi shǐ zhú jiàn fàng xià duì mài kè de chī。
In therapy, she began to let go of her obsession with Mike.
Cultural Notes for 逐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of pursuing goals step by step is often emphasized in traditional education and personal development, reflecting a mindset of perseverance and gradual progress.
Word Family of 逐
Compounds1
鱁
Words Containing This Character20
逐渐zhújiàngradually逐漸
逐步zhúbùprogressively
驱逐qūzhúto expel驅逐
追逐zhuīzhúto chase
角逐juézhúto tussle
放逐to banish
逐zhúto pursue
逐年zhúniányear after year
逐出to expel
逐一one by one
逐个one by one逐個
驱逐舰destroyer (warship)驅逐艦
随波逐流to drift with the waves and go with the flow (idiom); to follow the crowd blindly隨波逐流
竞逐competition競逐
逐月monthly
逐日daily
逐客令(fig.) notice to leave
逐字逐句literal
笑逐颜开all smiles笑逐顏開
追逐赛chase追逐賽
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 逐渐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 逐
Common phrases include 逐步 (step by step) and 逐渐 (gradually), both of which emphasize a progressive approach.
You can remember it by associating 'zhú' with 'chase' - imagine you're chasing after something, which helps reinforce both the meaning and sound.
It's more common in written language or formal speech, particularly in discussing strategies or processes.
