tile, brick

JLPT N5 9 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The word "" (zhuān) primarily refers to a brick, a hard rectangular block used in construction. It is a common building material and often appears in contexts related to construction, architecture, or physical objects.

Common Collocations

  • (qì zhuān): to lay bricks, used when describing building walls or structures.
  • (zhuāntou): brick (colloquial), often used when referring to a single brick or as a tool/object.
  • (zhuān qiáng): brick wall, a common phrase describing walls made of bricks.

Usage Notes

"" is a concrete noun and rarely used metaphorically. It is often paired with verbs related to construction or physical manipulation. When used in conversation, it implies a solid, heavy object. Avoid confusing "" with "" (stone) or "" (tile), which are different materials.

Register and Tone

The word is neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts involving construction or physical descriptions.

Example Sentences

The workers are building a wall with bricks.

This brick is heavy; be careful when carrying it.

He smashed the glass with a brick.