筑 (zhù) - To build, construct & a type of ancient Chinese zither

筑Tone 4

zhù ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

志

筑 · zhù

To build, construct;

a type of ancient Chinese zither;

to pound earth solid;

also refers to Guiyang city (abbreviation).

To build, constructa type of ancient Chinese zitherto pound earth solid

Usage highlights

Build a houseConstruct a roadBuild a nestAncient zither musicPound earth solidBuild a dam

Synonyms

  • 建— to build, construct
  • 造— to make, build
  • 修— to repair, construct

Antonyms

  • 拆— to demolish, tear down
  • 毁— to destroy, ruin

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They will build a new school (筑学校).
  • He plays the ancient zither (筑).
  • Workers pound the foundation (筑地基).
  • Guiyang is abbreviated as 筑 (筑城).

Collocations

  • Build a house(筑屋)
  • Construct a road(筑路)
  • Build a nest(筑巢)
  • Ancient zither music(筑乐)
  • Pound earth solid(筑土)
  • Build a dam(筑坝)

Idioms

  • Build high walls and store grain widely(高筑墙，广积粮)
  • Like a swallow building its nest(燕筑新巢)
  • Build platforms and pavilions(筑台纳士)
  • Build a deer platform(筑鹿台)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to a percussive string instrument used in ancient Chinese music.
  • The character evolved to mean construction, particularly the ancient method of pounding earth to build walls and foundations.
  • Used as an abbreviation for Guiyang city in Guizhou province since ancient times.
  • Represents both cultural heritage (music) and practical achievement (construction) in Chinese history.

FAQ