座

• Pinyin: zuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 座 = 广 (shelter radical) + 坐 (to sit), literally 'a place to sit'

Meaning

A measure word for large, fixed structures such as buildings, mountains, bridges, and cities.

Used as a measure word for large, stationary objects like mountains (一座山), bridges (一座桥), buildings (一座大楼), and cities (一座城市). Conveys a sense of scale and permanence. Not used for small or movable objects.

Examples

1. 那座山很高。 That mountain is very tall.
2. 这座桥是新建的。 This bridge was newly built.
3. 我们的城市是一座很大的城市。 Our city is a very large city.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 远处有一座山。(There is a mountain in the distance.)
• 这座楼有二十层。(This building has twenty floors.)

Don't Say

• 一座车。(Don't use 座 for movable objects like cars — use 辆. 座 is for large, fixed structures.)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'seat' or 'base.' As a measure word, it extended to large structures that have a firm 'seated' or grounded presence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal