Meanings of 刷
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About 刷
Podcast: 刷
Podcast: 刷
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AI Study Notes for 刷
刷 (shuā) vs 擦 (cā) — use 刷 for brushing or scrubbing, while 擦 refers specifically to wiping or cleaning a surface.
Imagine a brush (刷) sweeping away the dust and dirt. The left part of the character, 刀 (dāo), resembles a knife or brush, while the right part, represented by 𠂇, can evoke the motion of brushing. Visualize a student brushing off their responsibilities by skipping class.
When using 刷, it's important to note the context to avoid confusion between meanings, such as 'brushing' and 'skipping class.' It is generally informal, so be cautious when using it in formal contexts. Common collocations include 刷牙 (to brush teeth) and 刷卡 (to swipe a card).
While 刷 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 2 and 3 words related to daily activities, such as cleaning and personal care. Focus on its application in phrases to build a stronger vocabulary base.
In Chinese culture, the act of 刷 (brushing) can extend beyond cleaning to cultural practices like calligraphy or painting, where precision and technique are highly valued. Skipping class, although a more modern interpretation, reflects the pressures students face in a competitive educational environment.
Learners often confuse 刷 with similar-sounding characters, leading to errors in meaning; for example, saying 刷班 (to brush class) instead of skipping class, which should be 刷课. Always ensure to use the correct context.
Pronunciation of 刷
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Etymology of 刷
The left component is a pictograph of a brush. The 刂 (knife) component indicates that it is a tool/utensil.
A person bent over 尸 with a towel 巾
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 刷?
Decomposition of 刷
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 刷?
Write 刷
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Practice writing 刷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 刷
刷 carries 8 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
你们这里可以____卡吗？
Can I pay by card here?
Common Confusions with 刷
Similar shape with the radical 爪 but different meaning.
刷 refers to the action of brushing, while 刷子 is the noun for a brush.
我用刷子刷墙。
刷 refers to the action of brushing, while 刷子 is the noun for a brush.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to brush"?
Example Sentences for 刷 (10)
Cultural Notes for 刷
In Chinese culture, brushing teeth is considered an essential part of personal hygiene. Many children are taught to brush their teeth after meals to promote dental health.
In Chinese culture, the act of 刷 (brushing) can extend beyond cleaning to cultural practices like calligraphy or painting, where precision and technique are highly valued. Skipping class, although a more modern interpretation, reflects the pressures students face in a competitive educational environment.
There's a saying in Chinese, '勤快刷牙，健康长寿', which means 'Brush your teeth diligently for good health and longevity.' This highlights the importance of dental care in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 刷
Compound Meaning
What does 涮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刷
Common phrases include '刷牙' (shuā yá) meaning 'to brush teeth' and '刷卡' (shuā kǎ) meaning 'to swipe a card'. These phrases showcase the versatility of the character in everyday language.