着 zhe, zháo, zhuó

To attach, adhere, or place one thing onto another.

To wear, touch, catch fire, fall asleep, or mark an ongoing state/action. An eye (目) stuck to wool (羊), staying in contact with it.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 单用着字 使用常见词组组词(如双音节词)

    In spoken Chinese, single characters like 着 usually pair into compound words rather than standing alone.

What is the core visual insight behind 着 (zhe, zháo, zhuó)?

An eye (目) fixed on a sheep (羊) — staying attached and ongoing.

Understanding the internal components of 着 unlocks rapid recall across related compound words.

Appears in Stories 5 stories

《饥饿的深意》 The Hidden Meaning of Hunger
HSK 7 ~11 min read 1243 chars
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Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

  • 他说,不撑怎么办,底下三百多个人 等着 发工资。

  • 服务员过来要撤,他说, 放着 吧,等会儿还喝。

  • 那种笑是 绷着 的,嘴角拉平,眼睛里一点儿温度也没有,也不是冷冷的,就是那种空空的感觉。

  • 我坐他对面,看见他把那块肉夹起来,放到了骨碟边沿,跟那根早就夹过来,但其实没吃的青菜并排 摆着 ,整整齐齐。

  • 我得一直 醒着 。

  • 结果第二天对方 笑着 砍了他五个点的价,一边还 看着 他眼睛说,看你昨天吃东西的样子就知道你这人没坏心眼,肯定没跟我们要高价,就便宜百分之五吧。

《大学者和小人物》 The Scholar and the Cookie Seller
HSK 5 ~8 min read 882 chars
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Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

  • 如有我可以帮你小忙的事,如找你自己 找不着 的书之类,我一定很愿意做,”从此,元真便成了博士胡之适的“我的朋友”了。

  • 元真把带来的一个小包打开,里面是十块饼干,黄黄的, 有着 新烤出来的奶油的香味。

  • 胡之适接过饼干, 微笑着 拿起一个便吃,脸上现出近几年来很少见的欢愉。

  • 胡之适常 记着 这位小人物朋友。

《森林大火》 Forest Fires and a Homesick Heart
HSK 4 ~4 min read 454 chars
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Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.

  • 至少一百万棵树 着 了火,很多树已经倒了。

  • 挂了电话,小李 看着 窗外,心里有点儿难过。

《你也在想我吗》 Do You Miss Me Too?
HSK 1 ~2 min read 128 chars
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This short, soothing piece is about missing someone on a rainy night. The sentences are simple and repeat often, so you can practice reading while feeling the warm emotion.

  • 我 看着 电脑,写下了几个字:小雨,我想你。

《这还是茶馆儿吗?》 Teahouse or Cinema?
HSK 3 ~3 min read 325 chars
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Ever wondered where old Beijing's tea-drinking culture has gone? Follow a visitor discovering why locals now avoid famous tea houses—and practice expressing surprise and comparisons in Chinese along the way.

  • 看着 这,老北京们心里当然不舒服。

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