Meanings of 垃圾
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Podcast: 垃圾
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AI Study Notes for 垃圾
垃圾 (lājī) vs 废物 (fèiwù) — use 垃圾 for discarded items that are unwanted, while 废物 refers to waste materials that may still have some potential use.
Be careful with pronunciation; the first tone and the first tone in Mandarin can lead to confusion with similar sounding words. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations about cleanliness or environmental issues. Common collocations include '垃圾桶' (lā jī tǒng - trash can) and '垃圾分类' (lā jī fēn lèi - waste sorting).
While 垃圾 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary list, it is relevant for learners at HSK Level 3 and above due to its everyday usage. Focus on recognizing and using it in sentences about environmental issues or personal habits.
Learners often confuse 垃圾 with '拉 (lā)' or '加 (jiā)', leading to mispronunciation. For example, saying 'laji' incorrectly can sound like 'la-ji', which is not a word. The correct pronunciation should stress both 'lā' and 'jī' evenly.
Pronunciation of 垃圾
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Component Characters
How to say trash in Chinese
“trash” in Chinese is垃圾
垃圾 (lā jī) refers to waste materials that are discarded because they are no longer useful or wanted. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something of poor quality, such as a bad movie or product. Commonly used in everyday contexts, it emphasizes the idea of something that is no longer valued.
When to use 垃圾
Be careful with pronunciation; the first tone and the first tone in Mandarin can lead to confusion with similar sounding words. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in conversations about cleanliness or environmental issues. Common collocations include '垃圾桶' (lā jī tǒng - trash can) and '垃圾分类' (lā jī fēn lèi - waste sorting).
垃圾 or something close to it
垃圾 (lājī) vs 废物 (fèiwù) — use 垃圾 for discarded items that are unwanted, while 废物 refers to waste materials that may still have some potential use.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 垃圾 with '拉 (lā)' or '加 (jiā)', leading to mispronunciation. For example, saying 'laji' incorrectly can sound like 'la-ji', which is not a word. The correct pronunciation should stress both 'lā' and 'jī' evenly.
Write 垃圾
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Practice writing 垃圾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Common Confusions with 垃圾
Different character but related in meaning as both refer to waste.
Similar shape but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “trash”?
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Frequently Asked Questions about 垃圾
It is pronounced lā jī in Mandarin, with both syllables in the first tone.
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