Meanings of 卒
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About 卒
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Podcast: 卒
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AI Study Notes for 卒
Be cautious of using 卒 in informal contexts, as it may sound too formal or dramatic. Common collocations include 卒业 (graduation) and 卒子 (pawn in chess). Ensure to distinguish between its meanings to avoid confusion in conversation.
Although 卒 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the theme of military and rank found in HSK Level 3 and above. Students should focus on its various meanings and contexts to enhance understanding of formal and literary Chinese.
Learners often confuse 卒 with its variant pronunciations and meanings. For example, using 卒 to mean 'suddenly' instead of 猝 is incorrect; remember that 卒 is specifically related to soldiers and finality.
Pronunciation of 卒
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Jason Explains 卒 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 卒
A cross shape (十) added to clothes (衣). Origin unclear.
A soldier in armor
Origin
What kind of character is 卒?
Decomposition of 卒
Parts
Which of these is part of 卒?
How to say soldier; servant; at last, finally in Chinese
“soldier; servant; at last, finally” in Chinese is卒
The character 卒 (cù) primarily refers to a soldier or servant and can also mean 'finally' or 'at last' in specific contexts. It is used in historical texts to denote a military rank or position, and in modern contexts, it can refer to a pawn in Chinese chess. The nuance of the word can shift depending on its usage, particularly in literary or formal settings.
When to use 卒
Be cautious of using 卒 in informal contexts, as it may sound too formal or dramatic. Common collocations include 卒业 (graduation) and 卒子 (pawn in chess). Ensure to distinguish between its meanings to avoid confusion in conversation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 卒 with its variant pronunciations and meanings. For example, using 卒 to mean 'suddenly' instead of 猝 is incorrect; remember that 卒 is specifically related to soldiers and finality.
Write 卒
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Practice writing 卒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 卒
卒 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 4 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.
Fill the gap
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他不仅仅发号施令，还身先士____参加了几次激战。
He didn't just command. He personally fought in several heavy battles.
Example Sentences for 卒 (1)
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Word Family of 卒
Words with 卒
What does 无名小卒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卒
In a military context, 卒 refers to a soldier, indicating a rank or position within an army.
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