Meanings of 隘
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About 隘
Podcast: 隘
Podcast: 隘
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AI Study Notes for 隘
狭 (xiá) - use 隘 (ài) when emphasizing a strategic or metaphorical narrowness, while 狭 (xiá) generally refers to physical narrowness without the same connotation.
Be cautious of the context when using 隘; it often implies not just a physical narrowness but can also suggest emotional or situational distress. It is more formal and may not be used in everyday conversation, so consider the tone of your discourse.
While 隘 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it can be useful for learners at higher levels looking to expand their understanding of geographical terms and their metaphorical uses. Focus on related terms for 'narrow' or 'confined' to build a broader vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 隘 with other similar characters like 狭 (xiá), which also means narrow but lacks the strategic or distressful connotation. For example, saying '我在一个狭的地方' (I am in a narrow place) can be vague; specify using 隘 if referring to a strategic pass.
Pronunciation of 隘
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Jason Explains 隘 to You
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Knowing 隘 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.
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Etymology of 隘
Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 益 represents the sound.
hill
Origin
隘 = 阝 + 益. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 隘
Parts
Which of these is part of 隘?
How to say pass in Chinese
“pass” in Chinese is隘
The character 隘 (ài) refers to a narrow passage or defile, often used in a geographical context to describe a strategic point in a landscape. It can also denote the sense of being in a confined or distressing situation, highlighting both physical and metaphorical narrowness.
When to use 隘
Be cautious of the context when using 隘; it often implies not just a physical narrowness but can also suggest emotional or situational distress. It is more formal and may not be used in everyday conversation, so consider the tone of your discourse.
隘 or something close to it
狭 (xiá) - use 隘 (ài) when emphasizing a strategic or metaphorical narrowness, while 狭 (xiá) generally refers to physical narrowness without the same connotation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 隘 with other similar characters like 狭 (xiá), which also means narrow but lacks the strategic or distressful connotation. For example, saying '我在一个狭的地方' (I am in a narrow place) can be vague; specify using 隘 if referring to a strategic pass.
Write 隘
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Practice writing 隘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 隘
隘 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 6 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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这实质上是一种狭____的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。
It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
Example Sentences for 隘 (3)
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Word Family of 隘
Words with 隘
What does 狭隘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隘
An example sentence is: '这个山隘很难通过' (This mountain pass is hard to get through).
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