Meanings of 卡
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About 卡
Podcast: 卡
Podcast: 卡
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AI Study Notes for 卡
Imagine a large card (卡) blocking the entrance to a door. The shape of the character resembles a block with the horizontal line on top representing the 'stop' sign. Visualize trying to push through the card and getting stuck, which ties to the meaning of being wedged or blocked.
Learners often confuse '卡' with similar-sounding words like '咖' (kā), which means coffee. This character is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing cards or blockage. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.
While '卡' is not officially listed in HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to daily life, like '卡片' (kǎpiàn, card) and '卡路里' (kǎlùlǐ, calorie). Students should focus on its versatile uses in different contexts to enhance their vocabulary.
In Chinese culture, the concept of cards (like bank cards) is becoming increasingly important with the rise of digital payments. The term '卡' is frequently used in discussions about financial transactions and modern shopping habits.
A common mistake is using '卡' in the wrong tone, such as saying 'kā' instead of 'kǎ', which would confuse the listener. Another mistake is confusing it with '卡路里' (kǎlùlǐ), which specifically means calorie; make sure to use the full term when discussing nutrition.
Pronunciation of 卡
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Etymology of 卡
Depicts being stuck between something above (上) and something below (下).
A card squeezed between 上 and 下
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 卡?
Decomposition of 卡
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 卡?
Write 卡
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Practice writing 卡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 卡
卡 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 16 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
你们这里可以刷____吗？
Can I pay by card here?
Common Confusions with 卡
Similar sound but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to stop"?
Example Sentences for 卡 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
You'll need to get on the right side of Carmela.
Cultural Notes for 卡
在中国，信用卡和交通卡是非常常见的。交通卡可以在公交车和地铁上使用，方便快捷，反映了现代城市的生活方式。
In Chinese culture, the concept of cards (like bank cards) is becoming increasingly important with the rise of digital payments. The term '卡' is frequently used in discussions about financial transactions and modern shopping habits.
在西方国家，信用卡是日常生活的重要组成部分，而在中国，手机支付（如支付宝和微信支付）正在迅速取代传统的信用卡支付方式。
Word Family of 卡
Compound Meaning
What does 咔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卡
卡 (kǎ) and 刻 (kè) are different in meaning and usage. 卡 refers to stopping or blocking, as well as cards, while 刻 means 'to engrave' or 'to carve'. They have different characters and are used in different contexts in the Chinese language.