Meanings of 瓯
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About 瓯
Podcast: 瓯
Podcast: 瓯
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AI Study Notes for 瓯
When using 瓯, it's important to know that it is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners often confuse it with the more general word for bowl, 碗 (wǎn). Be mindful of using it in appropriate contexts.
Although 瓯 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates to the study of everyday objects and food-related terms. Students should focus on differentiating between various types of containers in Mandarin, like 碗 (wǎn) for bowl and 杯 (bēi) for cup.
Learners often confuse 瓯 with other similar characters like 碗 (wǎn) or 杯 (bēi), leading to misuse in context. For example, saying '我想要一个瓯' (wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè ōu) when referring to a bowl of rice instead of using 碗 would be incorrect.
Pronunciation of 瓯
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Etymology of 瓯
pottery
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 瓯
- 1The meaning half瓦 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half区 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaypottery
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 瓯? 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 瓯
Identify the Components
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How to say bowl, cup; small tray in Chinese
“bowl, cup; small tray” in Chinese is瓯
The character 瓯 (ōu) primarily refers to a type of bowl or cup, often used for holding liquids or food. It can also denote a small tray. In historical contexts, 瓯 was an old name for Wenzhou City in Zhejiang province, which reflects its significance in local culture and trade.
When to use 瓯
When using 瓯, it's important to know that it is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Learners often confuse it with the more general word for bowl, 碗 (wǎn). Be mindful of using it in appropriate contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 瓯 with other similar characters like 碗 (wǎn) or 杯 (bēi), leading to misuse in context. For example, saying '我想要一个瓯' (wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè ōu) when referring to a bowl of rice instead of using 碗 would be incorrect.
Write 瓯
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Practice writing 瓯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 瓯
瓯 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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.
Complete the Sentence
接下来呢, 我们要去看看温州的____绣.
Next, we're going to take a look at Ou Embroidery.
Example Sentences for 瓯 (2)
Word Family of 瓯
Compound Meaning
What does 瓯 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瓯
While both refer to types of containers, 瓯 specifically denotes a bowl or cup often used in a more ceremonial context, while 碗 refers to a general bowl used for food.
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