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垂直 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
垂直chuízhíperpendicularHSK 6, v, rank #13147, Hard
垂直chuízhíverticalHSK 6, v, rank #13147, Hard
chuízhí(chui2zhi2) T2
  1. 1perpendicular
  2. 2vertical
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March 24, 2026
垂直chuízhí(chui2zhi2)

The term 垂直 (chui2 zhi2) refers to something that is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to a given surface or line, commonly understood as 'vertical' or 'perpendicular'. It is often used in geometry, architecture, and engineering contexts to describe the alignment of structures or objects.

Frequency#13147DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 垂直 is crucial as traditional structures emphasize verticality, reflecting harmony and stability. This is particularly evident in pagodas and temples where vertical lines symbolize reaching towards the heavens.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall tree (垂) growing straight up (直) into the sky, standing perfectly vertical. The character 垂 looks like a hanging branch, while 直 represents a straight line, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Meanings of 垂直

chuízhí(chui2zhi2)
1perpendicular
2vertical
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 垂直

垂直Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13147Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 垂直

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Podcast: 垂直

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AI Study Notes for 垂直

Quick Contrast

水平 (shuǐpíng) — use 垂直 when referring to something that is vertical, as opposed to 水平 which indicates a horizontal orientation.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tall tree (垂) growing straight up (直) into the sky, standing perfectly vertical. The character 垂 looks like a hanging branch, while 直 represents a straight line, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 垂直 with similar terms like 平行 (píng xíng), which means 'parallel'. This term is often used in technical contexts, so it carries a more formal register; avoid using it in casual conversations unless necessary.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 垂直 connects to advanced vocabulary related to physics and mathematics. Focus on understanding its application in technical writing and how it relates to other geometric terms like 角度 (angle) and 线 (line).

Cultural Note

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 垂直 is crucial as traditional structures emphasize verticality, reflecting harmony and stability. This is particularly evident in pagodas and temples where vertical lines symbolize reaching towards the heavens.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 垂直 with 倾斜 (qīng xié), which means 'tilted' or 'slanted'. For example, saying '这条线是倾斜的' (This line is tilted) when intending to say '这条线是垂直的' (This line is vertical) is a common mistake.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 垂直

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Component Characters

垂chuíto hang (down)
HSK 78 strokes土
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直zhíZhi (c. 2000 BC), fifth of the legendary Flame Emperors 炎帝[Yán dì] descended from Shennong 神農
HSK 58 strokes目
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Write 垂直

垂
直

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

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Grammar Patterns of 垂直

垂直 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 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

只要所有____面在一条线上，图案看起来就会很整齐。

As long as the verticals align, the design will look regular.

Example Sentences for 垂直 (10)

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1
只要所有垂直面在一条线上，图案看起来就会很整齐。

zhī yào suǒ yǒu chuí zhí miàn zài yī tiáo xiàn shàng， ， tú àn kàn qǐ lái jiù huì hěn zhěng。

As long as the verticals align, the design will look regular.
2
这小玩意儿可以粘在任何垂直表面上。

zhè xiǎo wán yì ér kě yǐ nián zài rèn hé chuí zhí biǎo miàn shàng。

The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface.
3
所以在东向气流或很大的西向气流的情况下, 将不发生垂直传播.

suǒ yǐ zài dōng xiàng qì liú huò hěn dà de xī xiàng qì liú de qíng kuàng xià, , jiāng bù fā shēng chuí zhí chuán.

Under conditions of easterly flow, therefore, or very large westerly flow no vertical propagation will occur.
4
在连续梁中,刚性支承处的垂直变形必须为零.

zài lián xù liáng zhōng, , gāng xìng zhī chéng chǔ de chuí zhí biàn xíng bì xū wéi.

In a continuous beam the vertical deflexions at the rigid supports must be zero.
5
该装置可以装在任何垂直或近似垂直的平面上。

gāi zhuāng zhì kě yǐ zhuāng zài rèn hé chuí zhí huò jìn sì chuí zhí de píng miàn shàng。

The gadget can be attached to any vertical or near vertical surface.
6
在导线测量中, 下午对向观测垂直角应该是容易安排的.

zài dǎo xiàn cè liáng zhōng, , xià wǔ duì xiàng guān cè chuí zhí jiǎo yīng gāi shì róng yì ān pái.

In a traverse, afternoon reciprocal angles should be easy to arrange.
7
角棱镜是由3个互相垂直的反射平面组成.

jiǎo léng jìng shì yóu3 3 gè hù xiāng chuí zhí de fǎn shè píng miàn zǔ.

A corner cube consists of three mutually perpendicular reflecting planes.
8
和一些鸟不一样, 这种鸟不垂直向下飞.

hé yī xiē niǎo bù yī yàng, , zhè zhǒng niǎo bù chuí zhí xiàng xià.

Unlike some birds, it does not dive vertically.
9
电梯沿着电梯井垂直坠落，把一名工人砸得身首异处。

diàn tī yán zháo diàn tī jǐng chuí zhí zhuì luò， ， bǎ yī míng gōng rén zá dé shēn shǒu yì。

A worker was decapitated when a lift plummeted down the shaft on top of him.
10
内部空间掰开揭示加强梯田和垂直花园.

nèi bù kōng jiān bāi kāi jiē shì jiā qiáng tī tián hé chuí zhí huā yuán.

Internal spaces break apart to reveal stepped terraces and vertical gardens.

Cultural Notes for 垂直

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese architecture, the concept of 垂直 is crucial as traditional structures emphasize verticality, reflecting harmony and stability. This is particularly evident in pagodas and temples where vertical lines symbolize reaching towards the heavens.

Frequently Asked Questions about 垂直

The correct pronunciation is 'chui2 zhi2', with the tone on 'chui' being the second tone and 'zhi' also in the second tone.