Definitions

zhuō awkward; clumsy; dull; inelegant; (polite) my; Taiwan pr. [zhuó]

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "拙" structurally integrates the hand radical (扌) with the component "出", which functions phonetically while also evoking a sense of outward manifestation or expression, originally conveying the notion of clumsy or inept manual work. Its meaning gradually expanded from this specific reference to physical dexterity to encompass a broader sense of general unskillfulness, lack of refinement, or awkwardness in various contexts, including intellectual and artistic endeavors. Within certain literary and philosophical traditions, the term also acquired a positive nuance, suggesting an artless simplicity or genuine unpretentiousness that was often valorized. The character's form has persisted without alteration, maintaining its traditional composition throughout its historical use.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我哥哥做事很笨

Wǒ gēge zuòshì hěn bènzhuō.

My older brother does things very clumsily.

她的舞蹈动作有点劣。

Tā de wǔdǎo dòngzuò yǒudiǎn zhuōliè.

Her dance movements are a bit clumsy.

这是我的作,请多指教。

Zhè shì wǒ de zhuōzuò, qǐng duō zhǐjiào.

This is my humble work, please give me your advice.

我想提出一点见供参考。

Wǒ xiǎng tíchū yīdiǎn zhuōjiàn gōng cānkǎo.

I want to offer a humble opinion for reference.

尽管手,他仍然喜欢画画。

Jǐnguǎn shǒu zhuō, tā réngrán xǐhuān huàhuà.

Although clumsy-handed, he still likes drawing.

他的劣表演引起了大家的批评。

Tā de zhuōliè biǎoyǎn yǐnqǐle dàjiā de pīpíng.

His clumsy performance attracted everyone's criticism.

我用笔记录下这感人的瞬间。

Wǒ yòng zhuōbǐ jìlù xià zhè gǎnrén de shùnjiān.

I recorded this touching moment with my clumsy pen.

面对复杂的任务,他的技暴露无遗。

Miànduì fùzá de rènwù, tā de zhuō jì bàolù wú yí.

Facing the complex task, his clumsy skills were completely exposed.