Meanings of 藻
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Podcast: 藻
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AI study notes for 藻
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing zǎo, as mispronouncing it could change its meaning. In informal contexts, 藻 is often used in discussions about nature, while in formal settings, it can appear in literary or scientific language. Common collocations include 藻类 (zǎo lèi, meaning 'algal species').
Although 藻 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to level 4 themes of nature and ecology. Students should focus on understanding its usage in environmental contexts and recognizing its components, especially the grass radical (艹), which indicates its relation to plant life.
Learners often confuse 藻 with similar-sounding characters like 早 (zǎo, meaning 'early') due to the tonal nature of Mandarin. Remember that 藻 with its grass radical is related to aquatic plants, while 早 relates to time.
Pronunciation of 藻
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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 藻
Phonosemantic compound. 艹 represents the meaning and 澡 represents the sound.
grass
Origin
藻 = 艹 + 澡. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 藻
Parts
Which of these is part of 藻?
How to say splendid, magnificent; algae in Chinese
“splendid, magnificent; algae” in Chinese is藻
The character 藻 (zǎo) primarily refers to algae or aquatic plants, often associated with their lush and vibrant qualities. It can also convey a sense of elegance or splendor, particularly in poetic contexts where nature is described. In modern usage, it is commonly found in discussions about marine biology or ecology.
When to use 藻
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing zǎo, as mispronouncing it could change its meaning. In informal contexts, 藻 is often used in discussions about nature, while in formal settings, it can appear in literary or scientific language. Common collocations include 藻类 (zǎo lèi, meaning 'algal species').
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 藻 with similar-sounding characters like 早 (zǎo, meaning 'early') due to the tonal nature of Mandarin. Remember that 藻 with its grass radical is related to aquatic plants, while 早 relates to time.
Write 藻
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Practice writing 藻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 藻
藻 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 3 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
污水中的营养物确实会加快港口的海____生长。
Sewage nutrients do increase algal growth in the harbour.
Example sentences for 藻 (5)
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Word Family of 藻
Words with 藻
What does 海藻 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 藻
While 藻 specifically refers to algae or aquatic plants, other characters like 草 (cǎo) refer to grass in general. Understanding the context is key.
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