Meanings of 睬
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About 睬
Podcast: 睬
Podcast: 睬
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AI Study Notes for 睬
注意 (zhùyì) vs. 理会 (lǐhuì) — use 睬 (cǎi) when implying a casual acknowledgment, while 注意 (zhùyì) suggests a more focused attention and 理会 (lǐhuì) indicates understanding or comprehension.
Be cautious with tone, as 'cǎi' has a rising tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This word is more commonly used in informal settings, often in conversations where attention or care for another's feelings is indicated. It often collocates with words like '重视' (zhòngshì) meaning to value or emphasize.
Although 睬 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects with basic vocabulary related to attention and awareness at beginner levels. Students should focus on the pronunciation and practice using it in simple sentences to express noticing or caring for something.
Learners often confuse 睬 with similar-sounding words like '才' (cái) which means '才能' (ability) or '才干' (talent). An incorrect example would be '我不才他' instead of '我不睬他' meaning 'I don't notice him.'
Pronunciation of 睬
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Etymology of 睬
Phonosemantic compound. 目 represents the meaning and 采 represents the sound. Simplified form of 倸.
eye
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 睬
Phonosemantic compound. 目 represents the meaning and 采 represents the sound. Simplified form of 倸.
- 1The meaning half目 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half采 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayeye
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Decomposition of 睬
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How to say to notice, to pay attention to in Chinese
“to notice, to pay attention to” in Chinese is睬
The character 睬 (cǎi) means to notice or pay attention to something or someone. It is often used in contexts where one is acknowledging or showing awareness of another's presence or actions, typically implying a degree of care or concern.
When to use 睬
Be cautious with tone, as 'cǎi' has a rising tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced. This word is more commonly used in informal settings, often in conversations where attention or care for another's feelings is indicated. It often collocates with words like '重视' (zhòngshì) meaning to value or emphasize.
睬 or something close to it
注意 (zhùyì) vs. 理会 (lǐhuì) — use 睬 (cǎi) when implying a casual acknowledgment, while 注意 (zhùyì) suggests a more focused attention and 理会 (lǐhuì) indicates understanding or comprehension.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 睬 with similar-sounding words like '才' (cái) which means '才能' (ability) or '才干' (talent). An incorrect example would be '我不才他' instead of '我不睬他' meaning 'I don't notice him.'
Write 睬
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Grammar Patterns of 睬
睬 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
有相当一部分普通员工不理____工会的建议。
Substantial numbers of rank and file members ignored their union's advice.
Example Sentences for 睬 (5)
Word Family of 睬
Compound Meaning
What does 理睬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 睬
You can say '我经常注意到他在说话' (Wǒ jīngcháng zhùyì dào tā zài shuōhuà), which means 'I often notice him speaking.'
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