Meanings of 咂
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Podcast: 咂
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AI Study Notes for 咂
啃 (kěn) - use 咂 when emphasizing the act of savoring flavors, while 啃 focuses on the action of biting or gnawing.
Learners often confuse 咂 with similar sounding words, such as 吸 (xī), which means to inhale or suck in a broader sense. This word is more informal and is often used in conversational contexts rather than formal writing. Be aware of its tone; the first tone can convey excitement or pleasure.
Although 咂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other HSK vocabulary about food and sensory experiences, such as 吃 (chī) and 喝 (hē). Students should focus on pronunciation and usage in casual conversation to enhance their culinary vocabulary.
Learners might confuse 咂 with other similar verbs like 吸 (xī), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我咂气' (wǒ zā qì, 'I suck air') is incorrect; the correct verb for that action would be 吸 (xī).
Pronunciation of 咂
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Jason Explains 咂 to You
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Etymology of 咂
mouth
Origin
咂 = 口 + 匝. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 咂
Parts
Which of these is part of 咂?
How to say to suck, to smack the lips in Chinese
“to suck, to smack the lips” in Chinese is咂
The character 咂 (zā) refers to the action of sucking or sipping, often used in the context of tasting something, such as food or drink. It can also describe the sound made when smacking one's lips, indicating enjoyment or savoring of flavors. This term is commonly used in culinary contexts, especially when discussing the appreciation of flavors.
When to use 咂
Learners often confuse 咂 with similar sounding words, such as 吸 (xī), which means to inhale or suck in a broader sense. This word is more informal and is often used in conversational contexts rather than formal writing. Be aware of its tone; the first tone can convey excitement or pleasure.
咂 or something close to it
啃 (kěn) - use 咂 when emphasizing the act of savoring flavors, while 啃 focuses on the action of biting or gnawing.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 咂 with other similar verbs like 吸 (xī), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我咂气' (wǒ zā qì, 'I suck air') is incorrect; the correct verb for that action would be 吸 (xī).
Write 咂
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Practice writing 咂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 咂
咂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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特迪____了咂舌头，活像个不以为然的英国女舍监。
Teddy clucked his tongue like a disapproving English matron.
Example Sentences for 咂 (6)
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Word Family of 咂
Words with 咂
What does 咂摸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 咂
No, 咂 is more commonly used in informal conversations, particularly when discussing food or drinks.
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