株

As a noun, refers to the lowest portion of a tree trunk where it meets the earth, or the remnant left after felling (stump).

Functions as a numerary adjunct (classifier) used to count trees; in this role, the meaning expands from the base to the whole organism.

• vs. 根: While often glossed as "root," 株 typically denotes the above-ground base or stump, whereas 根 refers to the subterranean root system.
• vs. 樹: Where 樹 generally refers to the tree as a complete, branching entity, 株 emphasizes the tree as a singular, grounded unit.

Fanqie reading: 陟輸; Tang-period reading: djio.

• In contexts of land clearing or agriculture, lean toward "stump."
• In contexts of forestry, census, or counting, treat as the unit for "tree."
• If used as a standalone noun in a literary context, evaluate whether the text implies a living tree or a remnant.