abbr. for 公勺[gōng sháo], centiliter (unit of volume)
HSK 6, q, 3 strokes, radical 勹, rank #11897, Hard
勺
sháo
abbr. for 公勺[gong1 shao2], centiliter (unit of volume)
HSK 6, unknown, 3 strokes, radical 勹, rank #11897, Hard
sháo(shao2) T2
1spoon
2ladle
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
勺sháo(shao2)
The character 勺 (sháo) refers to a spoon or ladle, commonly used for serving food or liquids. It can also denote a unit of volume, specifically a centiliter, in certain contexts. This term is frequently encountered in cooking, dining, and measurements.
Strokes3Radical勹Frequency#11897DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese dining culture, the use of a 勺 is crucial, especially during communal meals where dishes are shared. Knowing how to use a ladle or spoon properly reflects good manners and hospitality.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spoon (勺) that looks like a tiny shovel, scooping up delicious food. The character's left side (刀) resembles a knife, hinting at its use in food preparation, while the right side (勺) resembles a spoon's shape. Remember 'sháo' as the sound of a spoon stirring soup.
Meanings of 勺
sháo(shao2)
1spoon
2ladle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 勺
勺Simplified
3Strokes
勹Radical
量词liàngcímeasure word (mw.)Part of Speech
#11897Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 勺
Podcast: 勺
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AI Study Notes for 勺
Quick Contrast
匙 (chí) refers specifically to a spoon, often used for eating, while 勺 (sháo) can refer more broadly to a spoon or ladle used for serving.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a spoon (勺) that looks like a tiny shovel, scooping up delicious food. The character's left side (刀) resembles a knife, hinting at its use in food preparation, while the right side (勺) resembles a spoon's shape. Remember 'sháo' as the sound of a spoon stirring soup.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 勺 in different contexts; it can refer to both physical spoons and the volume measurement. In informal settings, you might hear people use 勺 to casually refer to serving utensils, while in formal settings, it’s essential to specify whether you mean a utensil or a measurement. Avoid confusing it with other similar characters like 叉 (chā), which means 'fork.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 勺 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, learners can relate it to other food-related terms and measurements they encounter in HSK levels 1-3. Focus on pronunciation and usage in context to solidify understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese dining culture, the use of a 勺 is crucial, especially during communal meals where dishes are shared. Knowing how to use a ladle or spoon properly reflects good manners and hospitality.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 勺 with similar-looking characters. For instance, saying '我需要一个叉' (wǒ xūyào yīgè chā - I need a fork) when they meant to say '勺' can lead to misunderstandings. Always double-check the character you intend to use.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勺
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Grammar Patterns of 勺
勺 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 5 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 4
Complete the Sentence
往面粉里加3大____水揉成面团。
Combine the flour with 3 tablespoons water to make a paste.
Common Confusions with 勺
勺vs刀
dāo
Both are kitchen utensils but serve different purposes.
tā duān zháo sháo zǐ shēn shēn wén le yī xià, , biàn xùn sù hē qǐ.
She tilted the dipper , drew a deep breath and drank swiftly.
10
接着,她又一次闻了闻,把勺子端到了嘴边.
jiē zháo, , tā yòu yī cì wén le, wén , bǎ sháo zǐ duān dào le.
She drew another breath and raised it again.
Cultural Notes for 勺
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese dining culture, the use of a 勺 is crucial, especially during communal meals where dishes are shared. Knowing how to use a ladle or spoon properly reflects good manners and hospitality.
Word Family of 勺
Compounds34
的de5of
约yao1to weigh in a balance or on a scale
钓diao4to fish with a hook and bait
豹bao4leopard, panther; surname
灼zhuo2to burn, to cauterize; bright
酌zhuo2to pour wine
杓biao1wooden cup, ladle, or spoon
約yue1treaty, covenant, agreement
犳
圴
妁Shuo4matchmaker, go-between
尥liao4to give a backward kick (e.g. of a horse)
彴
汋
玓di4pearl
礿
芍Que4peony; water chestnuts
蔾
趵bao4the noise of tramping feet
靮
仢
宐
尦
扚
旳
瓝
畃
肑
菞
虳
訋
釣diao4fishhook; to fish, to lure
馰
魡
Words Containing This Character9
勺sháospoon
勺子sháoziscoop
后脑勺back of the head後腦勺
汤勺soup ladle湯勺
掌勺chef
炒勺ladle
脑勺back of the head腦勺
马勺wooden ladle馬勺
公勺serving spoon
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 的 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 勺
勺 (sháo) and 匙 (chí) both refer to types of spoons, but they can have different usages. 勺 is typically used for larger spoons or ladles, while 匙 is more commonly associated with smaller spoons, like those used for tea. Understanding these nuances can help in choosing the right term based on context.
勺 (sháo) means 'spoon' or 'ladle' in Chinese. It can also be used as an abbreviation for 公勺 (gōng sháo), which refers to a centiliter, a unit of volume. Additionally, 勺 is commonly used with the measure word 把 (bǎ) when counting spoons or ladles.
To use 勺 in a sentence, you can say something like '请给我一个勺子' (Qǐng gěi wǒ yīgè sháozi), which means 'Please give me a spoon.' You can also use it in cooking contexts, such as '用勺子盛汤' (Yòng sháozi chéng tāng), meaning 'Use a ladle to serve the soup.'
勺 refers to a spoon or ladle, while 刀 means knife. They are both utensils but serve different purposes.
Yes, 勺 can be used formally, particularly when discussing utensils or measurements in a cooking or dining context.
The pronunciation is 'sháo,' where the tone is rising, similar to asking a question.
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