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March 24, 2026
馇chā(cha1)
The character 馇 (chā) primarily means to stir or cook, particularly in the context of preparing porridge or similar dishes. It often implies a process of mixing ingredients together, especially in a liquid form. This character is commonly used in culinary contexts, particularly in traditional Chinese cooking.
Strokes12Radical饣
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, porridge (often referred to as 粥, zhōu) is a staple food that embodies comfort and care, often prepared for the sick or elderly. Understanding the term 馇 helps learners appreciate the significance of food preparation in Chinese familial bonds.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef stirring a pot of porridge. The character 馇 is like a pot (the bottom part) bubbling as you stir (the top part resembles stirring motion). The pronunciation 'chā' can be remembered by associating it with the sound of a spoon clanking against a pot while cooking.
Meanings of 馇
chā(cha1)
1to stir, to cook, to boil; porridge
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About 馇
馇Simplified
12Strokes
饣Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
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Podcast: 馇
Podcast: 馇
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AI Study Notes for 馇
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef stirring a pot of porridge. The character 馇 is like a pot (the bottom part) bubbling as you stir (the top part resembles stirring motion). The pronunciation 'chā' can be remembered by associating it with the sound of a spoon clanking against a pot while cooking.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 馇 with similar characters related to cooking or mixing, such as 煮 (zhǔ), which means to boil. This character is generally used in informal settings related to cooking rather than formal language. Be mindful not to mispronounce the initial 'ch' sound, as it can alter understanding.
HSK Study Tips
While 馇 is not included in the official HSK lists, it connects to HSK Level 2 vocabulary related to food and cooking. Students should focus on recognizing this character in cooking contexts and associating it with other culinary terms they learn at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, porridge (often referred to as 粥, zhōu) is a staple food that embodies comfort and care, often prepared for the sick or elderly. Understanding the term 馇 helps learners appreciate the significance of food preparation in Chinese familial bonds.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 馇 with 煮 (zhǔ), leading to errors in context. For example, saying '我煮粥' (I boil porridge) instead of '我馇粥' (I stir porridge) misses the nuance of preparation.
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Pronunciation of 馇
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Cultural Notes for 馇
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, porridge (often referred to as 粥, zhōu) is a staple food that embodies comfort and care, often prepared for the sick or elderly. Understanding the term 馇 helps learners appreciate the significance of food preparation in Chinese familial bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions about 馇
馇 is commonly associated with porridge and other liquid-based dishes where stirring is essential.
The correct pronunciation is 'chā', with an aspirated 'ch' sound, similar to the English 'ch' in 'chop'.
Yes, it is still relevant in culinary contexts, especially in traditional cooking practices.
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