Meanings of 臼
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About 臼
Podcast: 臼
Podcast: 臼
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AI Study Notes for 臼
When using 臼, be mindful of the context as it can refer to both the tool and the anatomical aspect. Common collocations include '臼和杵' (mortar and pestle). Avoid confusing it with similar sounding words; proper tone is crucial since it is pronounced with a falling tone (jiù).
Although 臼 is not in the official HSK lists, it can be useful for learners at the intermediate level who are expanding their vocabulary related to cooking and traditional practices. Focus on its usage in specific contexts like recipes or discussions about traditional Chinese medicine.
Learners often confuse 臼 with similar characters like 穴 (xué, cave), which can lead to misunderstandings in context. For example, saying '我使用穴来磨' (I use a cave to grind) instead of '我使用臼来磨' (I use a mortar to grind) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 臼
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Etymology of 臼
Pictograph of a mortar: a hollow vessel used to crush ingredients.
A mortar used to grind out powders
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 臼
Pictograph of a mortar: a hollow vessel used to crush ingredients.
- 1The giveawayA mortar used to grind out powders
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 臼? 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 臼?
How to say mortar; bone joint socket in Chinese
“mortar; bone joint socket” in Chinese is臼
The character 臼 (jiù) primarily refers to a mortar, a bowl-shaped tool used for grinding substances. In a broader context, it can also denote a bone joint socket, highlighting its physical characteristics of a hollow structure that holds or supports. This word is often used in culinary contexts as well as in traditional medicine.
When to use 臼
When using 臼, be mindful of the context as it can refer to both the tool and the anatomical aspect. Common collocations include '臼和杵' (mortar and pestle). Avoid confusing it with similar sounding words; proper tone is crucial since it is pronounced with a falling tone (jiù).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 臼 with similar characters like 穴 (xué, cave), which can lead to misunderstandings in context. For example, saying '我使用穴来磨' (I use a cave to grind) instead of '我使用臼来磨' (I use a mortar to grind) is incorrect.
Write 臼
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Practice writing 臼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 臼
臼 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
哈里森的一根手指脱____了。
Harrison dislocated a finger.
Example Sentences for 臼 (3)
Word Family of 臼
Compound Meaning
What does 脱臼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 臼
臼 is used in the context of grinding spices or making pastes, often paired with a pestle (杵).
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