Meanings of 夙
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About 夙
Podcast: 夙
Podcast: 夙
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AI Study Notes for 夙
When using 夙, be mindful of its literary connotation; it's more formal and poetic compared to simple terms for 'morning.' A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler morning-related terms like 早 (zǎo). It often collocates with words like 'dream' (梦) to express long-held aspirations.
Although 夙 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to time and daily routines, which are essential for HSK beginners. Students should focus on its usage in literature to understand its nuanced meanings, especially in poetry.
Learners often confuse 夙 with 早 (zǎo), using it in informal situations where a simpler term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying 夙起床 (sù qǐchuáng) for 'wake up early,' use 早起床 (zǎo qǐchuáng).
Pronunciation of 夙
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Etymology of 夙
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 夙
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 夙? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 夙
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 夙?
How to say dawn, early in the morning; previous; long-held in Chinese
“dawn, early in the morning; previous; long-held” in Chinese is夙
The character 夙 (sù) primarily means 'dawn' or 'early in the morning,' referring to the time shortly after nightfall has ended. It can also imply something that has been long-held or cherished, often in a historical or poetic context. This character is commonly used in literary expressions and can evoke a sense of nostalgia or continuity.
When to use 夙
When using 夙, be mindful of its literary connotation; it's more formal and poetic compared to simple terms for 'morning.' A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler morning-related terms like 早 (zǎo). It often collocates with words like 'dream' (梦) to express long-held aspirations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 夙 with 早 (zǎo), using it in informal situations where a simpler term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying 夙起床 (sù qǐchuáng) for 'wake up early,' use 早起床 (zǎo qǐchuáng).
Write 夙
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Practice writing 夙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 夙
夙 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.
Complete the Sentence
与天主教的____怨可以追溯到11世纪。
The feud with the Catholics goes back to the 11th century.
Example Sentences for 夙 (2)
Word Family of 夙
Compound Meaning
What does 夙愿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 夙
夙 is rarely used in everyday conversation; it's more common in literary or poetic contexts.
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