Meanings of 贻
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Podcast: 贻
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AI Study Notes for 贻
贈 (zèng) - use 贻 when emphasizing a formal or ceremonial context, while 贈 is more general for giving without the same connotation of dignity.
贻 is often used in literary or formal contexts, and learners should avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 贻赠 (yí zèng, to present or give) and 贻误 (yí wù, to cause delays). Pay attention to the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other terms.
While 贻 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it is valuable for learners interested in classical texts or formal writing. Students should focus on its usage in literature and formal speeches to understand its nuanced meaning.
Learners often confuse 贻 with 给 (gěi), using it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我贻你这本书' (I give you this book) is incorrect; it should be '我给你这本书'.
Pronunciation of 贻
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Etymology of 贻
Phonosemantic compound. 贝 represents the meaning and 台 represents the sound. Simplified form of 貽.
money
Origin
贻 = 贝 + 台. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 贻
Parts
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How to say to hand down, to give to, to bequeath in Chinese
“to hand down, to give to, to bequeath” in Chinese is贻
The character 贻 (yí) means to hand down or give something, often in a formal or ceremonial context. It is commonly used in situations where something is bequeathed or presented, indicating a sense of dignity and respect in the act of giving.
When to use 贻
贻 is often used in literary or formal contexts, and learners should avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 贻赠 (yí zèng, to present or give) and 贻误 (yí wù, to cause delays). Pay attention to the tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other terms.
贻 or something close to it
贈 (zèng) - use 贻 when emphasizing a formal or ceremonial context, while 贈 is more general for giving without the same connotation of dignity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 贻 with 给 (gěi), using it in informal contexts. For example, saying '我贻你这本书' (I give you this book) is incorrect; it should be '我给你这本书'.
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Practice writing 贻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 贻
贻 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Fill the gap
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我已尽力了，但是她母亲____害颇深。
I did what I could, but her mother's influence was pernicious.
Example Sentences for 贻 (4)
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Word Family of 贻
Words with 贻
What does 贻笑大方 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 贻
贻 has a more formal and respectful connotation compared to other words like 给 (gěi), which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
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