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March 24, 2026
辞典(辭典)cídiǎn(ci2dian3)
辞典 (cí diǎn) refers to a dictionary, specifically one that focuses on Chinese compound words. It is commonly used in academic and educational contexts for looking up definitions, pronunciations, and usages of words.
Frequency#17709DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dictionaries such as 辞典 hold significant importance in education, reflecting the value placed on literacy and language mastery. They are often used in schools and by students to aid in language learning.
Memory Tip
Think of 辞 (cí) as 'to resign' or 'to say goodbye,' which can remind you that a dictionary helps you 'say goodbye' to confusion about words. The character 典 (diǎn) can be associated with 'classic' or 'standard,' indicating the authoritative nature of a dictionary. Together, imagine a wise old sage (典) handing you a book (辞) that clarifies all your word-related questions.
Meanings of 辞典
cídiǎn(ci2dian3)
1dictionary (of Chinese compound words)
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About 辞典
辞典Simplified
辭典Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
本Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 辞典
Podcast: 辞典
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AI Study Notes for 辞典
Quick Contrast
词典 (cí diǎn) is a general term for dictionary, while 辞典 (cí diǎn) specifically refers to a dictionary focused on Chinese compound words.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 辞 (cí) as 'to resign' or 'to say goodbye,' which can remind you that a dictionary helps you 'say goodbye' to confusion about words. The character 典 (diǎn) can be associated with 'classic' or 'standard,' indicating the authoritative nature of a dictionary. Together, imagine a wise old sage (典) handing you a book (辞) that clarifies all your word-related questions.
Usage Notes
When using 辞典, ensure you are in the context of discussing language and words. A common mistake is to confuse 辞典 with 词汇 (cí huì), which means vocabulary; 辞典 specifically refers to the dictionary itself. Remember to use formal language when discussing dictionaries in academic settings.
HSK Study Tips
As this word is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it’s advisable for learners at HSK Level 4 and above to focus on this term since it relates to language studies and understanding of compound words. Recognizing 辞典 can enhance comprehension of related terms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dictionaries such as 辞典 hold significant importance in education, reflecting the value placed on literacy and language mastery. They are often used in schools and by students to aid in language learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 辞典 with other dictionary-related terms, such as 词典 or 词汇. For example, saying '我在找一个词汇' (wǒ zài zhǎo yí gè cí huì) instead of '我在找一个辞典' (wǒ zài zhǎo yí gè cí diǎn) when referring to a dictionary is incorrect.
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Pronunciation of 辞典
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Cultural Notes for 辞典
💡Did you know?
在中国，辞典不仅用于学习语言，还在很多专业领域中被广泛使用，例如法律、医学和科技。
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, dictionaries such as 辞典 hold significant importance in education, reflecting the value placed on literacy and language mastery. They are often used in schools and by students to aid in language learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about 辞典
辞典 (cí diǎn) and 词典 (cí diǎn) both mean 'dictionary,' but there can be subtle differences. 辞典 typically includes more comprehensive entries, including usage examples and phrases, while 词典 may focus more on individual words and their definitions. However, in practice, the terms are often used interchangeably.
When choosing a 辞典 for learning Chinese, consider factors like language level, features (such as pinyin, example sentences, and illustrations), and whether it's in print or digital format. A good dictionary should cater to your specific learning needs and help you understand context and usage effectively.
辞典 (cí diǎn) means 'dictionary' in Chinese. It is a reference book that lists words and their meanings, often including pronunciation, usage, and etymology. 辞典 is essential for language learners to understand vocabulary and improve their language skills.
You can use 辞典 in a sentence to indicate that you are looking up words or meanings. For example: '我在查辞典' which means 'I am looking in the dictionary.' This shows how to incorporate the word into everyday conversation.
It's more common in academic and educational contexts rather than casual conversation.
No, 辞典 specifically refers to dictionaries focused on Chinese words; for English translations, you would use an 英汉词典 (yīng hàn cí diǎn).
