Meanings of 牘
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About 牘
Podcast: 牘
Podcast: 牘
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AI Study Notes for 牘
文书 (wénshū, document) — use 牘 for historical or formal contexts, while 文书 is more general and contemporary.
牘 is typically used in formal contexts, such as historical texts or legal documents. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler words for paper or writing, like 纸 (zhǐ). Always remember that 牘 implies a sense of importance in what is being written.
Although 牘 is not part of the current HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary related to literature and documentation. Students should focus on its historical context and how it relates to other writing-related words, such as 书 (shū) for book.
Learners often confuse 牘 with 纸 (zhǐ), thinking they mean the same thing. For instance, saying '我需要牘来写' (Wǒ xūyào dú lái xiě) is incorrect; the correct term for 'paper' in this context is 纸.
Pronunciation of 牘
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Etymology of 牘
Phonosemantic compound. 片 represents the meaning and 卖 represents the sound. Simplified form of 牘.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 牘
Phonosemantic compound. 片 represents the meaning and 卖 represents the sound. Simplified form of 牘.
- 1The meaning half片 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half賣 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaypage
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 牘? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 牘
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How to say writing tablet; documents, books in Chinese
“writing tablet; documents, books” in Chinese is牘
The character 牘 (dú) refers to a writing tablet or document, often used in historical contexts to denote ancient texts or official records. It carries a nuance of formality and significance, commonly associated with important written materials from the past.
When to use 牘
牘 is typically used in formal contexts, such as historical texts or legal documents. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler words for paper or writing, like 纸 (zhǐ). Always remember that 牘 implies a sense of importance in what is being written.
牘 or something close to it
文书 (wénshū, document) — use 牘 for historical or formal contexts, while 文书 is more general and contemporary.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 牘 with 纸 (zhǐ), thinking they mean the same thing. For instance, saying '我需要牘来写' (Wǒ xūyào dú lái xiě) is incorrect; the correct term for 'paper' in this context is 纸.
Write 牘
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Practice writing 牘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 牘
Compound Meaning
What does 牍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牘
In modern usage, 牘 can be considered more formal and is often replaced by simpler terms like 文档 (wéndàng) for documents.
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