桢 (zhēn) - Hardwood & a type of strong, durable wood

桢Tone 1

zhēn ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

桢 · zhēn

Hardwood;

a type of strong, durable wood;

used in classical texts to refer to pillars or supports;

also used in personal names.

Hardwooda type of strong, durable woodused in classical texts to refer to pillars

Usage highlights

HardwoodPillar of the stateSupporting talentZhen wood materialBase and pillarZhen and Gan

Synonyms

  • 柱— pillar, support
  • 梁— beam, main support
  • 干— trunk, main part

Antonyms

  • 弱— weak, feeble
  • 柔— soft, flexible

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This furniture is made of hardwood (桢木).
  • He is the pillar of the family (家庭之桢).
  • The ancient text mentions zhen wood (桢材).
  • Her name contains the character Zhen (名字中有桢).

Collocations

  • Hardwood(桢木)
  • Pillar of the state(国桢)
  • Supporting talent(桢干)
  • Zhen wood material(桢材)
  • Base and pillar(基桢)
  • Zhen and Gan(桢干)

Idioms

  • National pillars and beams(国家桢干)
  • Foundation and support(基桢之材)
  • Pillars of the state(社稷之桢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In classical Chinese, 桢 referred to hardwoods used in construction, symbolizing strength and reliability.
  • It was metaphorically extended to mean pillars of society—people who provide essential support.
  • The character appears in historical texts describing capable ministers and important supporters.

FAQ