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周

Mandarin · pinyin zhōu#

Mandarin · pinyin Zhōu#

surname Zhou
Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC)

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周: zhōu · Zhou dynasty; circumference

Written characters and their own readings; the entry’s pronunciation is shown above.

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Mandarin tones

1 · zhou1

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1character link28same-tone records

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Read this spelling in Classical texts

Follow a written form into the eight pinned witnesses: Analects, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Han Feizi, Sunzi and the Mao Shijing. A match is a place to investigate; it does not prove that a modern dictionary sense fits the passage.

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Rime Cantonese 粵拼

zau1

Cantonese word readings for 周. This lexicon supplies readings, not definitions.

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Wiktionary English definitions · Chinese section

Independent source senses for this spelling, with usage labels retained. Not matched to the pronunciation above.

character · Etymology 1

to circle; to encircle
circle; circumference
whole
to extend everywhere
thorough; complete; comprehensive
(obsolete) side; periphery
(obsolete) to suit
to help (e.g. financially); to relieve
(Cantonese, chiefly in the passive) to reprimand with authority; to catch
Classifier for circuits.; circuit; revolution
(hi-fi jargon) hertz
(historical) name of various dynasties — (～朝) Zhou Dynasty (1046—256 BCE)
(historical) name of various dynasties — Northern Zhou (557—581), one of the Northern dynasties in China
(historical) name of various dynasties — Wu Zhou (690–705), established by Wu Zetian
(historical) name of various dynasties — Later Zhou (951–960), one of the Five Dynasties in China
a surname

character · Etymology 3

(Cantonese) penis (Classifier: 條／条 c)

Source page · dump 2026-09-02 · Contributors & history

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