塾
How to Say
How to Write
Meaning: private school
💡 Think 'shu' as in 'school' but with a scholar under a roof (土 foundation).
Compounds
Character Story & Explanation
塾 (shú) refers to a private school in traditional China, often run by a single teacher in his home or a small building. It was the primary educational institution before modern schools, emphasizing Confucian classics and calligraphy. The character combines 土 (earth) suggesting a place, and 孰 (who) as a phonetic component, symbolizing a space for personal instruction. Today, 塾 still appears in terms like 'cram school' in Japan, reflecting its lasting cultural impact.
Example Sentences
Common Compounds
Similar Characters — Don't Mix These Up
Your First Step into Chinese Culture: Get a Chinese Name
Every journey into Chinese begins with a name. Use our free Chinese name generator to create a meaningful, personalized Chinese name that fits you perfectly.
Get My Chinese Name →
0