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March 24, 2026
舀yǎo(yao3)
The verb 舀 (yǎo) means to ladle out or scoop up a liquid or semi-solid substance, typically using a utensil like a ladle or a scoop. It is commonly used in cooking contexts, such as serving soup or other dishes, and implies a careful, deliberate action.
Strokes10Radical臼Frequency#21604DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, communal eating is common, and using a ladle to serve food from a shared pot is a traditional practice at meals. Understanding this word can enhance one's appreciation of dining etiquette and food culture in China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef named Yao who loves to scoop up delicious soup with his ladle. The character 舀 looks like a ladle scooping up a bowl of liquid, with the '亻' component suggesting a person (the chef) doing the action.
Meanings of 舀
yǎo(yao3)
1to ladle out; to scoop
2to scoop up
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 舀
舀Simplified
10Strokes
臼Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 舀
Podcast: 舀
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AI Study Notes for 舀
Quick Contrast
舀 (yǎo) vs 盛 (shèng): Use 舀 when emphasizing the action of scooping out, while 盛 focuses on the act of holding or containing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef named Yao who loves to scoop up delicious soup with his ladle. The character 舀 looks like a ladle scooping up a bowl of liquid, with the '亻' component suggesting a person (the chef) doing the action.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 舀 with similar verbs like 倒 (dào) which means to pour out. 舀 is more specific to scooping, often used in informal contexts when serving food. Common collocations include 舀汤 (yǎo tāng, scoop soup) and 舀饭 (yǎo fàn, scoop rice).
HSK Study Tips
Though 舀 is not in the HSK levels, it is useful for learners at the early intermediate stage who are expanding their vocabulary related to cooking and food. Students should focus on the context of food preparation and serving.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, communal eating is common, and using a ladle to serve food from a shared pot is a traditional practice at meals. Understanding this word can enhance one's appreciation of dining etiquette and food culture in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 舀 with other verbs related to serving food, such as 倒 (dào) or 盛 (chéng). For example, saying '我倒汤' (wǒ dào tāng) instead of '我舀汤' (wǒ yǎo tāng) is incorrect if you mean to scoop rather than pour.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舀
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Grammar Patterns of 舀
舀 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 2 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
我们拼命往外____水，使它继续漂浮了几个小时。
We kept her afloat for a couple of hours by bailing frantically.
Example Sentences for 舀 (7)
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1
我们拼命往外舀水，使它继续漂浮了几个小时。
wǒ mén pīn mìng wǎng wài yǎo shuǐ， ， shǐ tā jì xù piāo fú le jī gè xiǎo。
We kept her afloat for a couple of hours by bailing frantically.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing over the top with a spatula.
5
她拿碗舀进了一些汤.
tā ná wǎn yǎo jìn le yī xiē tāng.
She took a bowl and ladled in some soup.
6
她舀出一碗汤.
tā yǎo chū yī wǎn tāng.
She ladled out a bowl of soup.
7
用勺小心地把混合物舀起，倒入模具内。
yòng sháo xiǎo xīn dì bǎ hùn hé wù yǎo qǐ， ， dǎo rù mó jù。
Spoon the mixture carefully into the mould.
Cultural Notes for 舀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, communal eating is common, and using a ladle to serve food from a shared pot is a traditional practice at meals. Understanding this word can enhance one's appreciation of dining etiquette and food culture in China.
Word Family of 舀
Words Containing This Character2
舀yǎoto ladle out
舀子ladle
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 舀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 舀
It is pronounced as 'yǎo' with a third tone.
Generally, 舀 is used for liquids or semi-solids; for solid foods, you might use 切 (qiē) for cutting or 盛 (chéng) for serving.
In more formal contexts, you might use the verb 盛 (chéng) to indicate serving or scooping.
