Meanings of 尺
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About 尺
Podcast: 尺
Podcast: 尺
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AI Study Notes for 尺
尺 (chě) vs 米 (mǐ) — use 尺 for traditional measurements like a foot, while 米 refers specifically to the meter.
Imagine a giant ruler (尺) that stretches across a footbridge. The character looks like a ruler, and the sound 'chě' can remind you of 'check'—as if you are checking the length of something with your measuring tool.
Learners should be careful not to confuse 尺 (chě) with similar characters like 尺寸 (chǐcùn), which means 'size' or 'dimension.' This character is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about measurements and traditional practices.
Although 尺 is not a specific HSK level word, it connects with measurement-related vocabulary that may appear in HSK Level 2 and beyond. Focus on understanding how to use it in context with other measurement terms.
In Chinese culture, accurate measurements have significant importance in traditional practices, including architecture and medicine. The concept of measuring is deeply rooted in the philosophy of balance and harmony.
Learners often mistakenly confuse 尺 with the character for 'length' (长, cháng) or use it incorrectly in terms of measurement systems. For example, saying '我有一尺米' (I have one foot of rice) is incorrect; it should specify the type of measurement accurately, such as '我有一斤米' (I have half a kilogram of rice).
Pronunciation of 尺
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Etymology of 尺
Origin unclear.
Picture of a man measuring by pacing
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 尺?
Decomposition of 尺
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 尺?
Write 尺
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Practice writing 尺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 尺
尺 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 9 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.
Complete the Sentence
我发现脚下的水只有3英____深。
I found myself in water only three feet deep.
Usage Notes for 尺
Learners sometimes confuse 尺 with other measurement units like 米 (meter) or 厘米 (centimeter).
我需要一尺长的木板。
I need a one-foot long board.
When used in the context of musical notation, 尺 (chě) is part of a specific vocabulary set related to traditional Chinese music.
工尺谱是用尺来表示音符的。
Gongche notation uses 尺 to represent musical notes.
Fill in the Blank
我需要一____长的木板。
I need a one-foot long board.
Example Sentences for 尺 (10)
Cultural Notes for 尺
In Chinese culture, accurate measurements have significant importance in traditional practices, including architecture and medicine. The concept of measuring is deeply rooted in the philosophy of balance and harmony.
Word Family of 尺
Compound Meaning
What does 尽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尺
In traditional Chinese medicine, 尺 (chǐ) refers to one of the three acupoints used for measuring pulse. These measurements are crucial for diagnosing health conditions and understanding a patient's overall well-being.