Meanings of 撮
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About 撮
Podcast: 撮
Podcast: 撮
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AI Study Notes for 撮
捏 (niē) vs 摘 (zhāi) — use 撮 (cuō) when referring to gathering or pinching a small amount, while 捏 implies squeezing or pinching more firmly, and 摘 refers specifically to picking or plucking items.
This verb is often used in informal contexts and can appear in culinary settings, such as '撮一撮盐' (pinch a bit of salt). Be cautious with the tones; 'cuō' has a flat tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
While 撮 is not in the official HSK list, it connects well with other verbs related to actions (like 拿 ná - to take) that are essential at beginner levels. Focus on practicing its pronunciation and how it fits into cooking or gardening vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 撮 with similar-sounding characters like 挫 (cuò - to weaken). For example, saying '我撮了这个' (I pinched this) instead of '我撮了盐' (I pinched some salt) can lead to confusion about the context.
Pronunciation of 撮
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Jason Explains 撮 to You
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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 撮
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 最 represents the sound.
hand
Origin
撮 = 扌 + 最. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 撮
Parts
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How to say dash, pinch, small amount in Chinese
“dash, pinch, small amount” in Chinese is撮
The character 撮 (cuō) primarily means to dash or pinch a small amount of something, often used in contexts where a handful or a tuft is involved. It can also refer to the action of scooping or gathering items together, making it useful in culinary or gardening discussions.
When to use 撮
This verb is often used in informal contexts and can appear in culinary settings, such as '撮一撮盐' (pinch a bit of salt). Be cautious with the tones; 'cuō' has a flat tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
撮 or something close to it
捏 (niē) vs 摘 (zhāi) — use 撮 (cuō) when referring to gathering or pinching a small amount, while 捏 implies squeezing or pinching more firmly, and 摘 refers specifically to picking or plucking items.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 撮 with similar-sounding characters like 挫 (cuò - to weaken). For example, saying '我撮了这个' (I pinched this) instead of '我撮了盐' (I pinched some salt) can lead to confusion about the context.
Write 撮
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Practice writing 撮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 撮
撮 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 8 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.
他下巴上有一小____胡须。
He had a small tuft of hair on his chin.
Example Sentences for 撮 (2)
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Word Family of 撮
Words with 撮
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Frequently Asked Questions about 撮
It is pronounced as 'cuō' with a flat tone.
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