2to precipitate (solid sediment out of a solution)
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March 24, 2026
沉淀(沉澱)chéndiàn(chen2dian4)
沉淀 (chen2 dian4) means to settle or precipitate, commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In science, it refers to the process where solid particles settle out of a liquid solution, while in daily life, it can describe emotional or intellectual settling, such as reflecting on experiences to gain clarity.
Frequency#33183DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of 沉淀 is often reflected in Chinese philosophy, where the idea of 'settling' can relate to the importance of reflection and mindfulness in personal growth, suggesting that one must settle their thoughts to achieve clarity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pot of muddy water where sediment settles at the bottom over time, creating a clear layer above. The character 沉 (chen) suggests depth or heaviness, while 淀 (dian) hints at a deposit, reminding you that things settle down like sediment in water.
Meanings of 沉淀
chéndiàn(chen2dian4)
1to settle
2to precipitate (solid sediment out of a solution)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 沉淀
沉淀Simplified
沉澱Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#33183Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 沉淀
Podcast: 沉淀
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AI Study Notes for 沉淀
Quick Contrast
沉淀 (chéndiàn) vs 沉积 (chénjī) — use 沉淀 for settling or precipitating, while 沉积 refers to accumulation or deposition over time.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pot of muddy water where sediment settles at the bottom over time, creating a clear layer above. The character 沉 (chen) suggests depth or heaviness, while 淀 (dian) hints at a deposit, reminding you that things settle down like sediment in water.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 沉淀 with other similar terms like 沉默 (silence) or 凝结 (condense), which have different contexts. This word is typically used in both formal and informal settings but is more common in written language, especially in scientific discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 沉淀 connects to topics like chemistry and emotions, which are also explored in advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on its dual usage in scientific and metaphorical contexts to enhance comprehension and application.
Cultural Note
The concept of 沉淀 is often reflected in Chinese philosophy, where the idea of 'settling' can relate to the importance of reflection and mindfulness in personal growth, suggesting that one must settle their thoughts to achieve clarity.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 沉淀 in contexts where a more direct term like 'settle down' (安定) is appropriate, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我需要沉淀一下' to mean 'I need to calm down' is incorrect; the more suitable term would be '我需要冷静一下'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沉淀
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Grammar Patterns of 沉淀
沉淀 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
一旦杂质____下去，油就可以分级了。
Once its impurities had settled, the oil could be graded.
Once its impurities had settled, the oil could be graded.
2
上等的波尔图葡萄酒必须倒入其他容器中以滤除自然沉淀物。
shàng děng de bō ěr tú pú táo jiǔ bì xū dǎo rù qí tā róng qì zhōng yǐ lǜ chú zì rán chén diàn wù。
Vintage ports must be decanted to remove natural sediments.
3
由共沉淀法得到了L - 天冬氨酸插层结构水滑石.
yóu gòng chén diàn fǎ dé dào leL- L - tiān dōng ān suān chā céng jié gòu shuǐ huá.
L - aspartic acid was intercalated into the layered double hydroxides by coprecipitation.
4
粉末都沉淀到杯底了.
fěn mò dū chén diàn dào bēi dǐ le.
The powder settled to the bottom of the cup.
Cultural Notes for 沉淀
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 沉淀 is often reflected in Chinese philosophy, where the idea of 'settling' can relate to the importance of reflection and mindfulness in personal growth, suggesting that one must settle their thoughts to achieve clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 沉淀
沉淀 refers specifically to the process of settling or precipitating, while 沉默 means silence, so the two terms apply in very different contexts.
Yes, 沉淀 can describe the process of reflecting on experiences, where thoughts and emotions settle to provide clarity.
It is more frequently used in writing, especially in formal or scientific discussions, than in everyday spoken language.
