卓

zhuó

⺊ + 早

Definitions

zhuó (adjective) outstanding; excellent; distinguished

Zhuó (adjective) tall; towering

Etymology

Pictograph of a person standing erect with something above the head, based on the original meaning "tall". The meaning later shifted to "outstanding" and "profound".

About

The earliest known form of 卓 was a pictograph of a person standing erect with an object above the head, conveying the idea of tallness and physical prominence. Over time, this evolved into the abstract meanings 'outstanding' and 'profound'. Today, 卓 is written with 卜 above 早. Although it can still suggest height and standing straight, it now primarily describes exceptional quality and appears in compounds expressing remarkable talent, profound insight and brilliance, and those who surpass ordinary standards.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的成绩很卓越。

Tā de chéngjī hěn zhuóyuè.

His achievements are outstanding.

这位科学家有卓越的贡献。

Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā yǒu zhuóyuè de gòngxiàn.

This scientist has made outstanding contributions.

她在工作中表现出卓越的能力。

Tā zài gōngzuò zhōng biǎoxiàn chū zhuóyuè de nénglì.

She demonstrates outstanding ability in her work.

他的功绩卓著，受到表彰。

Tā de gōngjī zhuózhù, shòu dào biǎozhāng.

His merits are distinguished, and he has been commended.

在这个领域，他的成就最为卓越。

Zài zhège lǐngyù, tā de chéngjiù zuì wéi zhuóyuè.

In this field, his achievements are the most outstanding.

尽管面临困难，他依然取得了卓越的成果。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín kùnnán, tā yīrán qǔdéle zhuóyuè de chéngguǒ.

Despite facing difficulties, he still achieved outstanding results.

他的卓见为我们指明了方向。

Tā de zhuójiàn wèi wǒmen zhǐmíngle fāngxiàng.

His brilliant insights have shown us the way.

通过不懈努力，她在艺术创作上达到了卓越的境界。

Tōngguò búxiè nǔlì, tā zài yìshù chuàngzuò shàng dádàole zhuóyuè de jìngjiè.

Through unremitting effort, she has reached an outstanding realm in artistic creation.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: ⺊

Component: 早

Example Words