Definitions

zhóu (noun) axis; axle; roller; spool

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "轴", traditionally written as "軸", combines the radical "車" for vehicle with the phonetic component "由", reflecting its original concrete meaning as the axle or shaft in a wheeled conveyance. From this specific mechanical referent, its application broadened to describe any central or pivotal line around which something rotates or is organized, such as an axis in mathematics or a core principle in discussion. The simplified form retains the same structural relationship between meaning and sound, and while the graphic representation has been streamlined, the character's essential concept of a central support has remained stable across its historical usage, allowing it to adapt to various technical and metaphorical contexts without losing its foundational sense.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

车轮绕着转动。

Chēlún ràozhe zhóu zhuàndòng.

The wheel rotates around the axle.

地球围绕地自转。

Dìqiú wéirào dìzhóu zìzhuàn.

The Earth rotates on its axis.

这座建筑以中线对称。

Zhè zuò jiànzhù yǐ zhōngzhóuxiàn duìchèn.

This building is symmetrical along its central axis.

历史书是研究时间的重要资料。

Lìshǐ shū shì yánjiū shíjiānzhóu de zhòngyào zīliào.

History books are important materials for studying the timeline.

他在团队里扮演着主心的角色。

Tā zài tuánduǐ lǐ bànyǎnzhe zhǔxīnzhóu de juésè.

He plays a central, pivotal role in the team.

这幅古画被精心地卷在木上。

Zhè fú gǔhuà bèi jīngxīn de juǎn zài mù zhóu shàng.

This ancient painting is carefully rolled on a wooden scroll.

二战时期的心国包括德国、意大利和日本。

Èrzhàn shíqī de zhóuxīn guó bāokuò Déguó, Yìdàlì hé Rìběn.

The Axis powers during World War II included Germany, Italy, and Japan。

各部门的工作需要以项目进度为来协调。

Gè bùmén de gōngzuò xūyào yǐ xiàngmù jìndù wéi zhóu lái xiétiáo.

The work of various departments needs to be coordinated with the project timeline as the central pivot.