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插座 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
插座chāzuòsocketHSK 6, n, rank #16378, Hard
插座chāzuòoutletHSK 6, n, rank #16378, Hard
chāzuò(cha1zuo4) T1
  1. 1socket
  2. 2outlet
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
插座chāzuò(cha1zuo4)

插座 (chāzuò) refers to an electrical socket or outlet where devices can be plugged in for power. It is commonly used in everyday contexts such as homes, offices, and public spaces to connect appliances and electronics to the power supply.

Frequency#16378DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In modern Chinese homes, the design and placement of 插座 are often influenced by the need for convenience and aesthetics, reflecting contemporary lifestyle preferences. This reflects the importance of technology in daily life, where multiple devices are used simultaneously.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '插' (insert) that '座' (sits) in the wall, ready to receive a plug. Visualize inserting a large plug into a cozy seat, where it comfortably connects to the power source.

Meanings of 插座

chāzuò(cha1zuo4)
1socket
2outlet
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 插座

插座Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16378Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 插座

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Podcast: 插座

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AI Study Notes for 插座

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a '插' (insert) that '座' (sits) in the wall, ready to receive a plug. Visualize inserting a large plug into a cozy seat, where it comfortably connects to the power source.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 插座 with related terms like 插头 (chātóu), which means 'plug.' This word is informal and commonly used in daily conversation; however, in formal contexts, you might encounter the term 电源插座 (diànyuán chāzuò) for clarity. Remember to use the correct tones to convey the meaning accurately.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 插座 connects with other technical vocabulary, particularly those related to electronics and home appliances. Focus on the nuances of usage in different contexts, such as home versus industrial applications.

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese homes, the design and placement of 插座 are often influenced by the need for convenience and aesthetics, reflecting contemporary lifestyle preferences. This reflects the importance of technology in daily life, where multiple devices are used simultaneously.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 插座 with 电源 (diànyuán), which means 'power supply.' For example, saying '我需要一个电源' (wǒ xūyào yīgè diànyuán) instead of '我需要一个插座' (wǒ xūyào yīgè chāzuò) can lead to misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 插座

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Component Characters

chāto insert
HSK 512 strokes
View full entry
zuòseat
HSK 410 strokes广
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Write 插座

Practice writing 插座 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 插座

插座 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

费伯蹬上椅子看了看那空着的灯泡____,惊异地蹙起眉头.

Faber took in the empty light socket with the chair beneath it . He frowned in amazemnt.

Example Sentences for 插座 (1)

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1
费伯蹬上椅子看了看那空着的灯泡插座,惊异地蹙起眉头.

fèi bó dēng shàng yǐ zǐ kàn le kàn nà kōng zháo de dēng pào chā zuò, , jīng yì dì cù qǐ méi.

Faber took in the empty light socket with the chair beneath it . He frowned in amazemnt.

Cultural Notes for 插座

🏮Cultural insight

In modern Chinese homes, the design and placement of 插座 are often influenced by the need for convenience and aesthetics, reflecting contemporary lifestyle preferences. This reflects the importance of technology in daily life, where multiple devices are used simultaneously.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, outlets are often placed lower on walls, while in China, they can be found at varying heights, often higher than in Western designs, reflecting different electrical standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about 插座

插座 refers to the socket or outlet, while 插头 refers to the plug that fits into the socket.