树
tree
shù
What does 树 mean?
树 (shù) is the common noun for 'tree.' Two practical things to know: first, the measure word for a tree is 棵 (kē) — 一棵树 means 'one tree.' Using 个 here marks you as a beginner.
Second, in compound nouns 树 attaches to the type of tree: 苹果树 (apple tree), 大树 (big tree), 树叶 (tree leaf / leaves), 树林 (woods). 树 can also be a verb in formal/written Chinese meaning 'to establish / set up' (as in 树立, shùlì, 'to establish [a model, a goal]'), but at HSK 3 you'll meet it almost exclusively as the noun. The simplified form 树 replaces the traditional 樹.
Character breakdown
tree
Memory hook: Left side 木 ('wood') tells you it's a plant; right side 对 (duì) lends the sound. Wood + sound = 树.
Measure word for 树
Example sentences
我家门口有一棵大树。
Wǒ jiā ménkǒu yǒu yì kē dàshù.
There's a big tree at the front of my house.
neutral
这棵树有一百年了。
Zhè kē shù yǒu yìbǎi nián le.
This tree is a hundred years old.
neutral
孩子们喜欢在树下玩。
Háizimen xǐhuan zài shù xià wán.
The kids love playing under the tree.
neutral
春天来了，树叶都绿了。
Chūntiān lái le, shùyè dōu lǜ le.
Spring has come — the leaves have all turned green.
written
我们一起去种树吧！
Wǒmen yìqǐ qù zhòng shù ba!
Let's go plant trees together!
spoken
Common phrases with 树
Synonyms
树木 is the collective noun 'trees / forestry,' used for groups of trees in writing or formal speech. For a single tree or everyday conversation, use 树.