Meanings of 歲
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About 歲
Podcast: 歲
Podcast: 歲
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AI Study Notes for 歲
年龄 (niánlíng) - use 歲 (suì) specifically for counting years or age, while 年龄 (niánlíng) refers to the concept of age more generally.
Be careful not to confuse 歲 (suì) with 年 (nián), which also means 'year' but is used differently. While 歲 is used for age and in expressions like 'twenty years old,' 年 is used for counting years and indicating the calendar. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
Though 歲 is not part of the HSK levels, it is essential for learners to understand age-related vocabulary. Focus on how it combines with numbers to express ages and consider practicing its usage in sentences about yourself and others.
Learners often confuse 歲 with 年, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我二十年' (wǒ èrshí nián) instead of '我二十歲' (wǒ èrshí suì) when stating age is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 歲
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Etymology of 歲
Phonosemantic compound. 步 represents the meaning and 戉 represents the sound. The simplified character 岁 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 歲.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 歲
Phonosemantic compound. 步 represents the meaning and 戉 represents the sound. The simplified character 岁 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 歲.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 歲? 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
What type of character formation is 歲?
Decomposition of 歲
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How to say year; years old, age; harvest in Chinese
“year; years old, age; harvest” in Chinese is歲
歲 (suì) primarily means 'year' or 'years old,' often used to indicate someone's age. It can also refer to the harvest season, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time and growth in agriculture. In everyday contexts, you will commonly hear it when asking or stating someone's age.
When to use 歲
Be careful not to confuse 歲 (suì) with 年 (nián), which also means 'year' but is used differently. While 歲 is used for age and in expressions like 'twenty years old,' 年 is used for counting years and indicating the calendar. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning.
歲 or something close to it
年龄 (niánlíng) - use 歲 (suì) specifically for counting years or age, while 年龄 (niánlíng) refers to the concept of age more generally.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 歲 with 年, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我二十年' (wǒ èrshí nián) instead of '我二十歲' (wǒ èrshí suì) when stating age is incorrect.
Write 歲
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Practice writing 歲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 歲
Compound Meaning
What does 岁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 歲
You can say '你幾歲?' (nǐ jǐ suì?), meaning 'How old are you?'. This is a common and polite way to inquire.
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