About
茁 is a phono-semantic compound composed of the grass radical 艹 placed above the character 出, which means "to go out". The component 出 serves a dual role: it supplies the pronunciation zhuó and also contributes the notion of emergence. Together, the two parts vividly represent grass or other vegetation breaking through the soil , the literal image of sprouting young shoots. This original meaning of newly germinated plants later developed a metaphorical dimension, referring to vigorous, healthy growth in all kinds of living beings, from animals to human children. In modern Chinese, the character is almost exclusively encountered in the compound 茁壮 (zhuózhuàng), which describes something thriving and robust.
Etymology Hide
Example Words
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.