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March 24, 2026
蔡cài(Cai4)
蔡 (cài) is primarily recognized as a Chinese surname, one of the common family names in China. This character can also refer to a species of tortoise, though its usage in this context is less frequent. The surname Cai is associated with notable historical figures and families in Chinese history.
Strokes14Radical艹Frequency#18797DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The surname 蔡 is historically significant as it traces back to the State of Cai during the Spring and Autumn Period, showcasing the deep roots of Chinese surnames in historical geography.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tortoise named 'Cai' who wears a green hat made from cabbage leaves (蔬菜, shūcài means 'vegetable'). The character 蔡 looks like a tortoise carrying the green hat on its back, helping you remember the pronunciation 'cài' and its connection to the tortoise.
Meanings of 蔡
cài(Cai4)
1a species of tortoise; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 蔡
蔡Simplified
14Strokes
艹Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 蔡
Podcast: 蔡
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AI Study Notes for 蔡
Usage Notes
蔡 is typically used as a surname and is considered neutral in formality. A common mistake is to confuse it with other surnames like 陆 (Lù) or 赵 (Zhào), so pay attention to context. Additionally, avoid using it in a formal setting without a title or honorific.
HSK Study Tips
While 蔡 is not included in HSK levels, understanding it can enhance your vocabulary related to Chinese surnames, which often appear in conversation and texts. Students should focus on recognizing common surnames and their cultural significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 蔡 with similar-sounding surnames or characters. For example, mixing it up with 才 (cái), which means 'talent' or 'ability.' Always double-check the context to ensure you're using the correct character.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蔡
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How Well Do You Know 蔡?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 蔡 is seven skills, not one.
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.
蔡 (cài) is primarily recognized as a Chinese surname, one of the common family names in China. This character can also refer to a species of tortoise, though its usage in this context is less frequent. The surname Cai is associated with notable historical figures and families in Chinese history.
When to use 蔡
蔡 is typically used as a surname and is considered neutral in formality. A common mistake is to confuse it with other surnames like 陆 (Lù) or 赵 (Zhào), so pay attention to context. Additionally, avoid using it in a formal setting without a title or honorific.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 蔡 with similar-sounding surnames or characters. For example, mixing it up with 才 (cái), which means 'talent' or 'ability.' Always double-check the context to ensure you're using the correct character.
Write 蔡
蔡
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Grammar Patterns of 蔡
蔡 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). 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 3
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
1986年, 耶拿东____重新开始生产相机.
While in 1986, Carl Zeiss Jena resumed production of cameras.
