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March 24, 2026
睬(倸)cǎi(cai3)
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.
Strokes13Radical目Frequency#20129DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, paying attention to others is seen as a sign of respect and consideration. The act of 'noticing' someone can reflect social harmony, which is highly valued in interpersonal relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of eyes (the radical 目) looking attentively at something. The sound 'cǎi' can be remembered as 'sigh,' as in 'I sigh when I notice something important.' Picture yourself sighing in realization, thus linking the visual component of 'eyes' and the sound to the meaning of noticing.
Meanings of 睬
cǎi(cai3)
1to notice, to pay attention to
2to take notice of
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 睬
睬Simplified
倸Traditional
13Strokes
目Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#20129Frequency Rank
Podcast: 睬
Podcast: 睬
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AI Study Notes for 睬
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a pair of eyes (the radical 目) looking attentively at something. The sound 'cǎi' can be remembered as 'sigh,' as in 'I sigh when I notice something important.' Picture yourself sighing in realization, thus linking the visual component of 'eyes' and the sound to the meaning of noticing.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, paying attention to others is seen as a sign of respect and consideration. The act of 'noticing' someone can reflect social harmony, which is highly valued in interpersonal relationships.
Common Mistakes
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.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
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.
They would criticize me, or worse yet, pay me no attention.
3
他一直都被视为异类，无人理睬，形单影只。
tā yī zhí dū bèi shì wéi yì lèi， ， wú rén lǐ， cǎi ， xíng dān。
He had always been an outcast, unwanted and alone.
4
裁判对要求判罚点球的叫喊声不予理睬。
cái pàn duì yào qiú pàn fá diǎn qiú de jiào hǎn shēng bù yú lǐ cǎi。
The referee ignored voices baying for a penalty.
5
她那矮老公还在吸他的雪茄,喝他的蔗酒,睬也不睬她.
tā nà ǎi lǎo gōng huán zài xī tā de xuě qié, , hē tā de zhè, jiǔ , cǎi yě bù.
Her dwarfish spouse still smoked his cigar and drank his rum without heeding her.
Cultural Notes for 睬
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, paying attention to others is seen as a sign of respect and consideration. The act of 'noticing' someone can reflect social harmony, which is highly valued in interpersonal relationships.
Word Family of 睬
Words Containing This Character3
理睬lǐcǎito heed
睬cǎito care for
不瞅不睬to ignore completely
Exercise 1 of 3
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.'
Generally, 睬 is more common in spoken or informal contexts rather than formal writing.
You can use '注意' (zhùyì) which also means to pay attention to.
