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March 24, 2026
材料cáiliào(cai2liao4)
The term 材料 (cái liào) refers to materials or substances used for making things, as well as data or information, particularly in academic or professional contexts. It is commonly used in discussions about construction, manufacturing, and research, where the quality and type of materials can greatly affect outcomes.
Frequency#3042DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the choice of 材料 can reflect values such as sustainability and quality, especially in traditional craftsmanship. For example, in calligraphy, the choice of paper (a type of 材料) can significantly influence the art's aesthetics and effectiveness.
Memory Tip
Imagine a craftsman carefully selecting various 材料 (cái liào) for his project. The character 材 (cái) resembles a tree (木, mù) which provides wood, a common material, while 料 (liào) can remind you of 'to measure out' the necessary ingredients. Together, they form the concept of essential 'makings'.
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AI Study Notes for 材料
Quick Contrast
原料 (yuánliào) - use 材料 when referring to materials in a broader or processed context, while 原料 specifically refers to raw materials.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a craftsman carefully selecting various 材料 (cái liào) for his project. The character 材 (cái) resembles a tree (木, mù) which provides wood, a common material, while 料 (liào) can remind you of 'to measure out' the necessary ingredients. Together, they form the concept of essential 'makings'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 材料 with 资料 (zī liào), which specifically means 'data' or 'information.' This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, so adjust your tone accordingly. Common collocations include '建筑材料' (jiànzhú cái liào) for 'construction materials'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 材料 connects to other terms about resources and objects, such as 物品 (wùpǐn) meaning 'items' and 用品 (yòngpǐn) meaning 'supplies'. Focus on using it in practical sentences to describe various materials in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the choice of 材料 can reflect values such as sustainability and quality, especially in traditional craftsmanship. For example, in calligraphy, the choice of paper (a type of 材料) can significantly influence the art's aesthetics and effectiveness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce the tones, saying 'cai4 liao4' instead of 'cai2 liao4'. Also, some confuse 材料 with 资料 (zī liào), which means 'information'; it's important to use them in the right context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 材料
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Grammar Patterns of 材料
材料 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 6 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.
The material consisted only of already published, unclassified information.
Cultural Notes for 材料
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the choice of 材料 can reflect values such as sustainability and quality, especially in traditional craftsmanship. For example, in calligraphy, the choice of paper (a type of 材料) can significantly influence the art's aesthetics and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 材料
Yes, 材料 can refer to food ingredients in cooking contexts, similar to how 'materials' can refer to components in recipes.
It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but context matters, especially in professional discussions.
材 (cái) is pronounced with the second tone, and 料 (liào) with the fourth tone, so make sure to maintain the correct tones to avoid confusion.
