周 (zhōu) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 周 (zhōu) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 周 (zhōu) means "week / circle / cycle". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 8 strokes and the radical 口.

Q: How do you write 周 stroke by stroke?

周 has 8 strokes. The radical is 口. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 周 and 吁?

周 (zhōu) and 吁 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 周?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 口. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 周?

Common words containing 周 include: 周末 (zhōu mò) — weekend; 下周 (xià zhōu) — next week; 周围 (zhōu wéi) — surroundings / around.

How to Write 周

The character 周 (zhōu) is written with 8 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 口 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

周 is pronounced zhōu in Mandarin Chinese. It means week / circle / cycle.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 周 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 周

周末 zhōu mò

weekend

下周 xià zhōu

next week

周围 zhōu wéi

surroundings / around

Example Sentences

你周末做什么？

nǐ zhōu mò zuò shén me

What do you do on weekends?

我们下周见面吧。

wǒ men xià zhōu jiàn miàn ba

Let's meet next week.

学校周围有很多书店。

xué xiào zhōu wéi yǒu hěn duō shū diàn

There are many bookstores around the school.

Similar Characters

吁 xū

吂 máng

吃 chī

Practice Writing 周 (zhōu)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 周 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 周

What does 周 (zhōu) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 周 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 周 and 吁?

What mistakes do learners make writing 周?

What common words use 周?

How to Write 周 (zhōu)