Meanings of 斛
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Podcast: 斛
Podcast: 斛
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AI Study Notes for 斛
While 斛 is not commonly used in everyday conversation today, it is encountered in historical texts and discussions about traditional measurements. Be cautious of using it in modern contexts, as it may sound overly formal or archaic. Common collocations include 斛米 (hú mǐ), meaning a measurement of rice.
Although 斛 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to other measurement terms like 升 (shēng, liter) and 斗 (dǒu, another unit of measure). Students should focus on understanding its historical context to appreciate its place in Chinese measurements.
Learners often confuse 斛 with similar characters like 斗 (dǒu) or 升 (shēng), leading to misuse in context. For example, saying '我买了三斗酒' (wǒ mǎile sān dǒu jiǔ) instead of '我买了三斛酒' (wǒ mǎile sān hú jiǔ) when referring to an ancient measurement would be incorrect.
Pronunciation of 斛
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Etymology of 斛
measuring cup
Origin
斛 = 斗 + 角. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 斛
Parts
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How to say ancient measuring vessel; unit of volume, about 50 liters in Chinese
“ancient measuring vessel; unit of volume, about 50 liters” in Chinese is斛
The character 斛 (hú) refers to an ancient Chinese unit of measurement primarily used for volume, equivalent to about 50 liters. It is historically associated with measuring grains and liquids, often used in trade and agricultural contexts. The term also evokes a sense of historical measurement practices in ancient China.
When to use 斛
While 斛 is not commonly used in everyday conversation today, it is encountered in historical texts and discussions about traditional measurements. Be cautious of using it in modern contexts, as it may sound overly formal or archaic. Common collocations include 斛米 (hú mǐ), meaning a measurement of rice.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斛 with similar characters like 斗 (dǒu) or 升 (shēng), leading to misuse in context. For example, saying '我买了三斗酒' (wǒ mǎile sān dǒu jiǔ) instead of '我买了三斛酒' (wǒ mǎile sān hú jiǔ) when referring to an ancient measurement would be incorrect.
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Word Family of 斛
Frequently Asked Questions about 斛
No, 斛 is considered an archaic measurement and is rarely used in contemporary contexts.
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