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March 24, 2026
搽chá(cha2)
The character 搽 (chá) means to wipe, smear, or apply something, such as ointment or paint. It is commonly used in contexts where a substance is applied to a surface or skin, emphasizing the action of spreading or rubbing it on. This term can also imply a careful or deliberate application.
Strokes12Radical扌Frequency#20820DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the application of ointments and medicinal powders is common, especially in skincare and health treatments. The concept of applying remedies through smearing or rubbing is integral to many health practices in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a painter named Charley who loves to smear vibrant colors on his canvas. The character 搽 (chá) looks like a hand (the radical 扌, meaning hand) applying paint (the rest of the character), making it easy to remember that it involves the action of applying or smearing.
Meanings of 搽
chá(cha2)
1to wipe, to smear, to rub, to anoint
2to apply (ointment, powder)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 搽
搽Simplified
12Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 搽
Podcast: 搽
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AI Study Notes for 搽
Quick Contrast
涂 (tú) vs 搽 (chá): use 涂 when referring to painting or coating a surface more generally, while 搽 emphasizes the action of smearing or applying something like ointment.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a painter named Charley who loves to smear vibrant colors on his canvas. The character 搽 (chá) looks like a hand (the radical 扌, meaning hand) applying paint (the rest of the character), making it easy to remember that it involves the action of applying or smearing.
Usage Notes
Be aware of the context in which 搽 is used, as it can sound informal when discussing personal care. Common collocations include 搽药 (apply medicine) and 搽粉 (apply powder). Pay attention to tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 搽 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other verbs in the HSK levels related to applying or using products, such as 用 (yòng, to use) and 涂 (tú, to smear). Focus on practicing verbs related to actions and their applications.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the application of ointments and medicinal powders is common, especially in skincare and health treatments. The concept of applying remedies through smearing or rubbing is integral to many health practices in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 搽 with 涂, mistakenly using 搽 when they mean to apply a thicker layer, such as paint. For example, saying '我搽油漆' (Wǒ chá yóuqī) instead of '我涂油漆' (Wǒ tú yóuqī) is incorrect; the latter is the appropriate term for painting.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 搽
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Grammar Patterns of 搽
搽 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
她把碘酒轻____在前额的伤口上。
She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead.
Example Sentences for 搽 (5)
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1
她把碘酒轻搽在前额的伤口上。
tā bǎ diǎn jiǔ qīng chá zài qián é de shāng kǒu shàng。
She dabbed iodine on the cuts on her forehead.
2
她往脸上搽了粉，抹了口红和胭脂。
tā wǎng liǎn shàng chá le fěn， ， mǒ le kǒu hóng hé yān。
She powdered her face and applied her lipstick and rouge.
3
她给鼻子上搽了一点粉, 又整了一下衣领, 就冷冰冰地下楼了.
tā gěi bí zǐ shàng chá le yī diǎn fěn, , yòu zhěng le yī xià yī, lǐng , jiù lěng bīng bīng dì xià.
She powdered her nose, straightened her collar, and coldly marched down - stairs.
4
她脸上粉搽得又厚又难看.
tā liǎn shàng fěn chá dé yòu hòu yòu nán kàn.
She painted herself thick and ugly.
5
他在晒斑上涂了一些炉甘石搽液.
tā zài shài bān shàng tú le yī xiē lú gān shí chá yè.
She applied calamine lotion to her sunburn.
Cultural Notes for 搽
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the application of ointments and medicinal powders is common, especially in skincare and health treatments. The concept of applying remedies through smearing or rubbing is integral to many health practices in China.
Word Family of 搽
Words Containing This Character1
搽cháto smear
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 搽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 搽
You can say '我需要搽药' (Wǒ xūyào chá yào), which means 'I need to apply medicine.'
No, 搽 can be used for various substances, including medicinal ointments and paints.
While both mean to apply, 搽 (chá) often implies a more gentle wiping or smearing action, while 涂 (tú) can imply a thicker coating.
