Meanings of 臼
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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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Learning Lab
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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.
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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
Origin
What kind of character 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
哈里森的一根手指脱____了。
Harrison dislocated a finger.
Example sentences for 臼 (3)
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Word Family of 臼
Words with 臼
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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