Sound Clues (Phonetic)
主

主

zhǔSound ClueSound clue Zhǔ (Host / Master / Lamp flame)
Strokes 5 strokes
Clue Type Sound Clues (Phonetic)
Derivatives 7 chars
HSK Words 9 words
Core Meaning

Flame atop lamp stand, master, sound clue for zhǔ / zhù

Decomposition & Mnemonic

Look for 主 inside new characters. It often works like a zhǔ sound clue; the changing part usually tells you the meaning area.

法

3-Step Analysis & Application Strategy

3-step strategic thinking process to master characters containing this component

01

Identify component 主

Locate component 主 inside the target character before synthesizing the full glyph.

02

Leverage phonetic sound clue (zhǔ)

Use 主 as a sound anchor; the character has high likelihood of sharing pronunciation or rhyming with "zhǔ".

03

Analyze combined elements & verify

Examine the partnering radical or component to verify accurate tone, definition, and stroke order.

构

Key Derivative Characters (7 characters)

Click any character to view animated stroke order or practice writing.

住
zhùMeaning Clue
亻

to live

注
zhùMeaning Clue
氵

to pour

柱
zhùMeaning Clue
木

pillar

驻
zhùMeaning Clue
马

to halt, to stay, to be stationed

往
wǎngMeaning Clue
彳

towards

拄
zhǔMeaning Clue
扌

lean on

蛀
zhùMeaning Clue
词

Practical HSK Vocabulary (9)

Click any word to listen to standard native pronunciation

问

Component Learning FAQs

Frequently asked questions about component 主

What role does component 主 play in Chinese characters?

主 (zhǔ) is a core Hanzi building block serving as a Phonetic Sound Clue, present in key composite characters on Deetigo.

How can I use component 主 to memorize characters faster?

When encountering a new character with 主, use "zhǔ" as a phonetic anchor to guess its pronunciation, then check the remaining radical for semantic meaning.