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March 24, 2026
踪(蹤)zōng(zong1)
The character '踪' (zōng) refers to a footprint, trace, or track left behind by someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts involving the pursuit of someone or something, as well as in discussions about evidence or signs of presence.
Strokes15Radical足Frequency#7908DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese folklore and literature, the concept of tracking or following footprints is often associated with themes of pursuit and discovery, reflecting a cultural value placed on investigation and understanding one's surroundings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a detective following a trail of footprints (踪) in the sand. The character looks like a person (the top part) walking (the bottom part) along a path, leaving traces behind. The 'z' sound in 'zōng' can remind you of the 'zoom' of a camera capturing these tracks.
Meanings of 踪
zōng(zong1)
1footprint
2trace
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 踪
踪Simplified
蹤Traditional
15Strokes
足Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7908Frequency Rank
Podcast: 踪
Podcast: 踪
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AI Study Notes for 踪
Quick Contrast
踪 (zōng) vs 迹 (jì) — use '踪' when emphasizing the act of tracking or following, while '迹' refers more to the mark or sign left behind.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a detective following a trail of footprints (踪) in the sand. The character looks like a person (the top part) walking (the bottom part) along a path, leaving traces behind. The 'z' sound in 'zōng' can remind you of the 'zoom' of a camera capturing these tracks.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '踪' with similar characters like '踪迹' (zōng jì), which means 'trace' or 'clue.' This word is more formal and often used in written contexts, so use it appropriately in conversation. The correct tone is crucial: remember to pronounce it with the first tone (zōng).
HSK Study Tips
Although '踪' is not on the HSK list, it connects with vocabulary related to movement and evidence at higher levels. Focus on recognizing how it combines with other characters to form phrases, such as '踪迹'.
Cultural Note
In Chinese folklore and literature, the concept of tracking or following footprints is often associated with themes of pursuit and discovery, reflecting a cultural value placed on investigation and understanding one's surroundings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up '踪' with '踪迹' (zōng jì) and use them interchangeably, leading to awkward phrasing. Remember that '踪' can stand alone, while '踪迹' is a more complete term that should be used when you need to refer to traces or clues.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 踪
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Grammar Patterns of 踪
踪 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
为了防止有人跟____我，我特地绕了弯路。
In case anyone was following me, I made an elaborate detour.
Example Sentences for 踪 (10)
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1
为了防止有人跟踪我，我特地绕了弯路。
wéi le fáng zhǐ yǒu rén gēn zōng wǒ， ， wǒ tè dì rào le wān。
In case anyone was following me, I made an elaborate detour.
Edward disappeared around 30pm on the 23rd of July.
7
莫不是他经常都得这样东漂西泊,行踪不定.
mò bù shì tā jīng cháng dū dé zhè yàng dōng piāo xī bó, , háng zōng bù.
He might be always flying about from one place to another.
8
他开始再现1988年12月21日的103次航班失踪事件。
tā kāi shǐ zài xiàn1988 198812 nián21 12 yuè103 21 rì de 103 cì háng bān。
He began to reconstruct the events of 21 December 1988, when flight 103 disappeared.
9
猎人潜行追踪猎物。
liè rén qián háng zhuī zōng liè wù。
The hunters stalked their prey.
10
各家报纸都刊登了有关埃迪·多纳根神秘失踪的猜测性报道。
gè jiā bào zhǐ dū kān dēng le yǒu guān āi dí· · duō nà gēn shén mì shī zōng de cāi cè xìng bào。
The papers ran speculative stories about the mysterious disappearance of Eddie Donagan.
Cultural Notes for 踪
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese folklore and literature, the concept of tracking or following footprints is often associated with themes of pursuit and discovery, reflecting a cultural value placed on investigation and understanding one's surroundings.
Word Family of 踪
Words Containing This Character13
失踪shīzōngto be missing失蹤
跟踪gēnzōngto tail跟蹤
追踪zhuīzōngto trace追蹤
行踪whereabouts行蹤
踪影trace蹤影
踪迹zōngjìtracks蹤跡
踪zōngtrace蹤
无影无踪to disappear without trace (idiom)無影無蹤
影踪trace影蹤
来去无踪come without a shadow, leave without a footprint (idiom); to come and leave without a trace來去無蹤
潜踪in hiding潛蹤
蹑踪to follow along behind sb (formal writing)躡蹤
来踪去迹(fig.) sb's history來蹤去跡
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 失踪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 踪
'踪' refers specifically to the footprint or trace, while '迹' (jì) often refers to a mark or sign, emphasizing the result of the trace rather than the trace itself.
Yes, but it's more common in written language or formal contexts; in casual conversation, you might use synonyms or simpler terms.
Link 'zōng' with 'zoom', as in zooming in on footprints to investigate further.
