zhōu: 周 - Week, Cycle, Around, Thorough, Zhou (Dynasty/Surname)

Keywords: zhōu, 周, meaning of zhou, Chinese for week, cycle in Chinese, Zhou Dynasty, around in Chinese, thorough in Chinese, zhou character, zhou surname, 周末, 上周, 下周.

Summary: The Chinese character 周 (zhōu) is a fundamental and versatile word that most beginners first learn to mean “week”. However, its meaning extends far beyond the calendar, embodying the core concepts of a “cycle,” “circumference,” or “completeness.” From discussing your weekend plans (周末, zhōumò) and describing the area around you (周围, zhōuwéi), to praising someone's thorough service (周到, zhōudào), 周 (zhōu) is everywhere. It is also the name of the historically significant Zhou Dynasty and a very common Chinese surname.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zhōu

Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective, Verb, Adverb

HSK Level: HSK 2 (Character itself), HSK 1 (in words like 周末)

Concise Definition: A cycle, most commonly a week; to encircle or surround; all-around or thorough.

In a Nutshell: Think of 周 (zhōu) as a complete loop or circuit. This core idea of a “full circle” is why it can mean a “week” (a 7-day cycle), “around” (the circle of space surrounding something), and “thorough” (covering a full cycle of details with nothing missed). It's a word that connects time, space, and completeness.

The character 周 is a pictogram. The outer frame represents a boundary or a field, and the inner part (originally different, now resembling 吉) suggests something contained or complete within that boundary. A simple way to remember it is as a field (田) that has been fully and carefully planted, representing a complete, well-managed area. This visual reinforces its meanings of “completeness,” “cycle,” and “encompassing.”

The Zhou Dynasty (周朝, Zhōu Cháo): The most significant cultural meaning of 周 (zhōu) comes from the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BC). It was the longest-ruling dynasty in Chinese history and is considered a golden age when foundational Chinese philosophy flourished. Thinkers like Confucius (孔子) and Laozi (老子), the founder of Taoism, lived during this period. The Zhou Dynasty established the concept of the “Mandate of Heaven” (天命, Tiānmìng), which shaped Chinese political thought for millennia. This historical weight is why 周 is one of the most common surnames in China today.

Cycles vs. Linear Time: In Western culture, time is often perceived as linear—a straight line from past to present to future. The character 周 (zhōu) taps into a more cyclical understanding of time, common in Chinese thought. Just as a week (周) repeats, so do seasons, years (in the zodiac cycle), and even historical eras. This concept of cycles provides a sense of pattern, renewal, and predictability, which is a comforting and foundational worldview.

As a Surname: You will frequently encounter people with the surname 周, such as 周老师 (Teacher Zhou) or 周经理 (Manager Zhou).

Don't Forget the Other Meanings: Because learners are taught “week” first, they often forget that 周 can mean “around” or “thorough.” If you see it in a word like 周到 or 周围, remember to think “cycle” or “circle,” not “week.”

周末 (zhōumò) - Weekend. The most common compound word using 周.

周围 (zhōuwéi) - Surroundings, vicinity. Relates to the spatial meaning of “around.”

周到 (zhōudào) - Thoughtful, thorough. Relates to the conceptual meaning of “complete.”

周年 (zhōunián) - Anniversary. A “year cycle.”

周期 (zhōuqī) - Period, cycle. The most direct term for the abstract concept of a cycle.

星期 (xīngqī) - Week. The most common synonym for 周 when talking about a week.

礼拜 (lǐbài) - Week. A more colloquial synonym for 周.

循环 (xúnhuán) - To cycle, to circulate. A verb that describes the process of completing a cycle.

周朝 (Zhōu Cháo) - The Zhou Dynasty. The important historical and cultural origin of the character's prominence.

环绕 (huánrào) - To encircle, to revolve around. A synonym for the verb usage of 周.