Meanings of 舐
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Podcast: 舐
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AI study notes for 舐
舔 (tiǎn) - 舐 (shì) is more formal and literary, while 舔 (tiǎn) is more commonly used in everyday speech.
While 舐 is a formal term, it is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simpler words like 'lick' (舔, tiǎn). Be careful with the tone; the fourth tone can change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include 舐水 (shì shuǐ, to lap up water).
Although 舐 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, learners at this level should focus on understanding characters with similar radicals, like 舌 (shé, tongue) and other verbs related to actions involving the mouth. Familiarity with 舐 can enhance vocabulary related to animal behavior.
Learners often confuse 舐 (shì) with 舔 (tiǎn) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '舐一个冰淇淋' (shì yīgè bīngqílín) instead of '舔一个冰淇淋' (tiǎn yīgè bīngqílín) is incorrect; the latter is the appropriate term for licking an ice cream.
Pronunciation of 舐
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Etymology of 舐
Phonosemantic compound. 舌 represents the meaning and 氏 represents the sound.
tongue
Origin
舐 = 舌 + 氏. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 舐
Parts
Which of these is part of 舐?
How to say to lick, to lap up in Chinese
“to lick, to lap up” in Chinese is舐
The character 舐 (shì) means 'to lick' or 'to lap up.' It is often used in contexts involving animals, such as dogs licking water or food. This character can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is overly flattering or sycophantic.
When to use 舐
While 舐 is a formal term, it is less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to simpler words like 'lick' (舔, tiǎn). Be careful with the tone; the fourth tone can change the meaning entirely. Common collocations include 舐水 (shì shuǐ, to lap up water).
舐 or something close to it
舔 (tiǎn) - 舐 (shì) is more formal and literary, while 舔 (tiǎn) is more commonly used in everyday speech.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 舐 (shì) with 舔 (tiǎn) due to their similar meanings. For example, saying '舐一个冰淇淋' (shì yīgè bīngqílín) instead of '舔一个冰淇淋' (tiǎn yīgè bīngqílín) is incorrect; the latter is the appropriate term for licking an ice cream.
Write 舐
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Grammar patterns of 舐
舐 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
猫把碗里的牛奶____完了.
The cat lapped up the milk from a bowl.
Example sentences for 舐 (1)
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Word Family of 舐
Words with 舐
What does 舐犊情深 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 舐
舐 (shì) is a more formal way to say 'to lick,' often used in literary contexts, while 舔 (tiǎn) is the more common and colloquial term.
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