Definitions

zhòu (verb) to wrinkle; to crease
zhòu (adjective) wrinkled; creased

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "皱", representing the concept of wrinkles or creases, evolved from its traditional form "皺", which structurally integrates the semantic component "皮" for skin with the phonetic component "芻" to originally convey the specific notion of skin folds, and over time its meaning extended metaphorically to describe analogous textures on materials like fabric or paper, reflecting a broader semantic shift from bodily attributes to general surface irregularities. The simplified form "皱" maintains the skin-related element while altering the phonetic part, yet this structural adjustment did not fundamentally change the character's core meaning, which has consistently centered on the idea of crumpling or folding since its inception, demonstrating how its etymology and adapted form continue to inform its contemporary usage.

Example Sentences Hide

他的眉头起来了。

Tā de méitóu zhòu qǐláile.

His brows have furrowed.

这张纸被揉了。

Zhè zhāng zhǐ bèi róu zhòu le.

This piece of paper has been crumpled.

新买的衬衫不要弄了。

Xīn mǎi de chènshān bù yào nòng zhòu le.

Don't wrinkle the newly bought shirt.

岁月在她的脸上留下了纹。

Suìyuè zài tā de liǎn shàng liú xià le zhòuwén.

Time has left wrinkles on her face.

巴巴的衣领显得很邋遢。

Tā zhòu bā bā de yīlǐng xiǎnde hěn lātā.

His crumpled collar looks very sloppy.

平静的湖面被风吹了。

Píngjìng de húmiàn bèi fēng chuī zhòu le.

The calm surface of the lake was ruffled by the wind.

这个难题让他一直着眉头思考。

Zhège nántí ràng tā yìzhí zhòuzhe méitóu sīkǎo.

This difficult problem kept him thinking with a furrowed brow.

生活的艰辛过早地刻了他的额头。

Shēnghuó de jiānxīn guò zǎo de kè zhòu le tā de étóu.

The hardships of life etched wrinkles onto his forehead too early.