Meanings of 搔
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About 搔
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Podcast: 搔
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AI Study Notes for 搔
搔 (sāo, to scratch) vs 抓 (zhuā, to grab) — use 搔 when specifically referring to scratching an itch, while 抓 implies a more forceful grip or action.
Students should be cautious about confusing 搔 with the similar-sounding 騷, as they have different meanings. This word is typically used in informal contexts, and learners should remember to use it when discussing physical sensations like itching. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
Although not included in the HSK vocabulary, 搔 can be linked to other verbs related to physical actions, such as 抓 (zhuā, to grab) and 挠 (náo, to scratch). Focus on practicing its pronunciation and usage in sentences to solidify understanding.
Learners often confuse 搔 with the character 騷 (sāo) due to their similar sounds and meanings. For instance, saying 我很搔 (Wǒ hěn sāo) instead of 我很痒 (Wǒ hěn yǎng) can lead to confusion, as the former incorrectly suggests agitation rather than an itch.
Pronunciation of 搔
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Jason Explains 搔 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 搔 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 搔
To scratch 扌 a flea bite 蚤; 蚤 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 搔?
Decomposition of 搔
Parts
Which of these is part of 搔?
How to say to scratch in Chinese
“to scratch” in Chinese is搔
The character 搔 (sāo) primarily means 'to scratch' or 'to scratch at something.' It is often used in contexts where someone is relieving an itch or trying to remove something stuck to the skin. The character can also be an old variant of the character 騷 (sāo), which conveys a sense of being disturbed or agitated.
When to use 搔
Students should be cautious about confusing 搔 with the similar-sounding 騷, as they have different meanings. This word is typically used in informal contexts, and learners should remember to use it when discussing physical sensations like itching. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
搔 or something close to it
搔 (sāo, to scratch) vs 抓 (zhuā, to grab) — use 搔 when specifically referring to scratching an itch, while 抓 implies a more forceful grip or action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 搔 with the character 騷 (sāo) due to their similar sounds and meanings. For instance, saying 我很搔 (Wǒ hěn sāo) instead of 我很痒 (Wǒ hěn yǎng) can lead to confusion, as the former incorrectly suggests agitation rather than an itch.
Write 搔
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Practice writing 搔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 搔
搔 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 2 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
如果你感到痒,就____好了.
Scratch yourself if you itch.
Example Sentences for 搔 (5)
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Word Family of 搔
Words with 搔
What does 搔首弄姿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搔
You can say 搔痒 (sāo yǎng), which means 'to scratch an itch.'
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