周

• Pinyin: zhōu
• Hanzi breakdown: 周 = 冂 (enclosure) + 土 (earth) + 口 (mouth), suggesting completeness or a full cycle

Meaning

Week. A period of seven days. Also used as a measure word for counting weeks.

Used as a measure word for counting weeks, as in 一周 (one week), 两周 (two weeks). Can also mean 'cycle' or 'circumference' in other contexts. In modern usage, 周 and 星期 are both commonly used for 'week.'

Examples

1. 我一周上五天班。 I work five days a week.
2. 这个项目需要两周的时间。 This project needs two weeks of time.
3. 他每周都去游泳。 He goes swimming every week.

Usage Guide

Context: time, everyday

Tone: informational

Do Say

• 一周有七天。(A week has seven days.)
• 我下周去北京。(I'm going to Beijing next week.)

Don't Say

• 我两个周去旅行。(Don't use 个 as the measure word with 周 — say 两周. 周 itself functions as a measure word.)

Origin & History

Originally meaning 'circle' or 'cycle,' derived from the circular nature of recurring seven-day periods.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal