Meanings of 斟
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About 斟
Podcast: 斟
Podcast: 斟
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AI Study Notes for 斟
斟 (zhēn) vs 倒 (dǎo) — use 斟 when emphasizing careful pouring, particularly of drinks, while 倒 is more general for pouring or tipping something out.
斟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in tea ceremonies or wine tastings. A common mistake is using it casually outside of these contexts, as it may sound overly formal. Learners should also be mindful of the tone, ensuring they pronounce it with a high flat tone (zhēn) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
While 斟 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to actions and social interactions. Students should focus on its nuances in pouring and deliberation to better understand its usage in conversations about decision-making or hospitality.
Learners often confuse 斟 with simpler verbs like 倒 (dào), which also means 'to pour' but is more casual. For instance, saying '我想倒酒' (I want to pour wine) is correct, but using 斟 might sound too formal in a casual setting.
Pronunciation of 斟
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Etymology of 斟
Phonosemantic compound. 斗 represents the meaning and 甚 represents the sound.
measuring cup
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 斟
Phonosemantic compound. 斗 represents the meaning and 甚 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half斗 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half甚 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymeasuring cup
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 斟? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 斟
Identify the Components
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How to say to pour in Chinese
“to pour” in Chinese is斟
The character 斟 (zhēn) primarily means 'to pour', particularly in the context of beverages like wine or tea. It can also imply the act of deliberating or gauging a situation carefully before making a decision, reflecting a sense of thoughtfulness. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both social and formal contexts.
When to use 斟
斟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in tea ceremonies or wine tastings. A common mistake is using it casually outside of these contexts, as it may sound overly formal. Learners should also be mindful of the tone, ensuring they pronounce it with a high flat tone (zhēn) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
斟 or something close to it
斟 (zhēn) vs 倒 (dǎo) — use 斟 when emphasizing careful pouring, particularly of drinks, while 倒 is more general for pouring or tipping something out.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斟 with simpler verbs like 倒 (dào), which also means 'to pour' but is more casual. For instance, saying '我想倒酒' (I want to pour wine) is correct, but using 斟 might sound too formal in a casual setting.
Write 斟
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Practice writing 斟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斟
斟 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.
Complete the Sentence
她讲话时____酌再三，说得非常慢。
She spoke very slowly, weighing what she would say.
Example Sentences for 斟 (9)
Word Family of 斟
Compound Meaning
What does 斟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斟
It's commonly used in formal settings like tea ceremonies, wine tastings, or when discussing careful deliberation.
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