Meanings of 塗
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About 塗
Podcast: 塗
Podcast: 塗
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AI study notes for 塗
涂 (tú) vs 画 (huà) — use 涂 when referring to applying a substance like paint, while 画 specifically means to draw or paint an image.
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with other similar-sounding characters. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about collocations, as it is often paired with words related to art or application. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 塗 is not in the current HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to art and actions. Students should focus on the contexts in which it is used, such as painting or writing, to build a more robust vocabulary around these themes.
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with 擦 (cā), which means 'to wipe' or 'to rub.' For example, saying '我擦涂画' (wǒ cā tú huà) instead of '我塗畫' (wǒ tú huà) is incorrect. Use 塗 when specifically referring to applying or smearing paint.
Pronunciation of 塗
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Learning Lab
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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 塗
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 余 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塗.
water
Origin
塗 = 氵 + 余. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 塗
Parts
Which of these is part of 塗?
How to say to smear, to scribble, to daub; surname in Chinese
“to smear, to scribble, to daub; surname” in Chinese is塗
The character 塗 (tú) means 'to smear' or 'to daub' and is often used in contexts involving applying a substance to a surface, such as paint or cream. It can also refer to scribbling or drawing carelessly. This word can have both literal and metaphorical implications, such as 'to smear' a reputation.
When to use 塗
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with other similar-sounding characters. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about collocations, as it is often paired with words related to art or application. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
塗 or something close to it
涂 (tú) vs 画 (huà) — use 涂 when referring to applying a substance like paint, while 画 specifically means to draw or paint an image.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with 擦 (cā), which means 'to wipe' or 'to rub.' For example, saying '我擦涂画' (wǒ cā tú huà) instead of '我塗畫' (wǒ tú huà) is incorrect. Use 塗 when specifically referring to applying or smearing paint.
Write 塗
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Practice writing 塗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 塗
塗 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这种____料很贵, 请省着点用.
This paint is very expensive, so please use It'sparingly.
Example sentences for 塗 (2)
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Word Family of 塗
Characters with 塗
What does 涂 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 塗
You can say 塗畫 (tú huà) to mean 'to paint' or 塗抹 (tú mǒ) for 'to smear or apply'.
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