Meanings of 蚯
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About 蚯
Podcast: 蚯
Podcast: 蚯
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AI Study Notes for 蚯
Think of 蚯 (qiū) as the 'q' in 'quick' and 'u' in 'underground', where earthworms live. The character contains the insect radical 虫, which signifies its classification as a bug, and the phonetic component 丘, suggesting the hills or mounds they create in the soil.
Learners often confuse 蚯 with other insect-related characters, so it’s important to remember its specific association with earthworms. This term is typically used in informal contexts, especially related to gardening or biology. Avoid mixing it up with similar-sounding words that refer to other animals.
Although 蚯 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well to other nature-related terms at beginner levels. Students should focus on recognizing the insect radical and understanding its ecological significance alongside vocabulary for plants and soil.
In Chinese culture, earthworms are seen as beneficial creatures in agriculture, symbolizing fertility and the health of the soil. They are often mentioned in traditional farming practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
A common mistake is confusing 蚯 with the character 蚂 (mǎ), which means 'ant'. For instance, saying '蚯是蚂' (qiū shì mǎ) would be incorrect; the correct form is '蚯是蚯' (qiū shì qiū) to indicate it is an earthworm.
Pronunciation of 蚯
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Etymology of 蚯
worm
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 蚯?
Decomposition of 蚯
Identify the Components
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Write 蚯
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Practice writing 蚯 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 蚯
蚯 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.
Complete the Sentence
____蚓钻土很深。
Earthworms burrow deep into the soil.
Example Sentences for 蚯 (2)
Reorder the Sentence
Earthworms burrow deep into the soil.
Cultural Notes for 蚯
In Chinese culture, earthworms are seen as beneficial creatures in agriculture, symbolizing fertility and the health of the soil. They are often mentioned in traditional farming practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Word Family of 蚯
Compound Meaning
What does 蚯蚓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蚯
Earthworms aerate the soil and help decompose organic matter, making nutrients more available to plants.