竖

• Pinyin: shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 竖 = 立 (stand) + modified phonetic (vertical)

Meaning

To erect; to set upright; to stand up. As an adjective, vertical or upright.

Describes positioning something vertically or the vertical orientation itself. Used for physical objects, calligraphy strokes, and as a contrast to horizontal positioning.

Examples

1. 请把书竖着放在书架上。 Please put the books upright on the shelf.
2. 他竖起大拇指表示赞赏。 He gave a thumbs-up to show his approval.
3. 这块牌子要竖在路口。 This sign needs to be set up at the intersection.

Usage Guide

Context: positioning, gestures, calligraphy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她竖起耳朵仔细听讲座内容。(She pricked up her ears to listen carefully to the lecture.)
• 汉字中的竖笔要写得挺直。(The vertical strokes in Chinese characters should be written straight.)

Don't Say

• 我竖地学习 — 竖 describes orientation, not manner of studying

Origin & History

竖 = 立 (stand) + 臣 (official, phonetic)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal