Meanings of 牘
By ear
Play it, then pick what 牘 means.
About 牘
Podcast: 牘
Podcast: 牘
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 牘
文书 (wénshū, document) — use 牘 for historical or formal contexts, while 文书 is more general and contemporary.
牘 is typically used in formal contexts, such as historical texts or legal documents. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler words for paper or writing, like 纸 (zhǐ). Always remember that 牘 implies a sense of importance in what is being written.
Although 牘 is not part of the current HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary related to literature and documentation. Students should focus on its historical context and how it relates to other writing-related words, such as 书 (shū) for book.
Learners often confuse 牘 with 纸 (zhǐ), thinking they mean the same thing. For instance, saying '我需要牘来写' (Wǒ xūyào dú lái xiě) is incorrect; the correct term for 'paper' in this context is 纸.
Pronunciation of 牘
Drill the tone of 牘 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 牘 to You
Let me explain 牘 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 牘 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 牘?
Learning Lab
Knowing 牘 is seven skills, not one.
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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 牘
Phonosemantic compound. 片 represents the meaning and 卖 represents the sound. Simplified form of 牘.
page
Origin
牘 = 片 + 賣. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 牘
Parts
Which of these is part of 牘?
How to say writing tablet; documents, books in Chinese
“writing tablet; documents, books” in Chinese is牘
The character 牘 (dú) refers to a writing tablet or document, often used in historical contexts to denote ancient texts or official records. It carries a nuance of formality and significance, commonly associated with important written materials from the past.
When to use 牘
牘 is typically used in formal contexts, such as historical texts or legal documents. A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler words for paper or writing, like 纸 (zhǐ). Always remember that 牘 implies a sense of importance in what is being written.
牘 or something close to it
文书 (wénshū, document) — use 牘 for historical or formal contexts, while 文书 is more general and contemporary.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 牘 with 纸 (zhǐ), thinking they mean the same thing. For instance, saying '我需要牘来写' (Wǒ xūyào dú lái xiě) is incorrect; the correct term for 'paper' in this context is 纸.
Write 牘
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 牘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 牘?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 牘
Characters with 牘
What does 牍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 牘
In modern usage, 牘 can be considered more formal and is often replaced by simpler terms like 文档 (wéndàng) for documents.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 牘?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.