Meanings of 卡
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About 卡
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Podcast: 卡
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AI Study Notes for 卡
Learners often confuse '卡' with similar-sounding words like '咖' (kā), which means coffee. This character is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing cards or blockage. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.
While '卡' is not officially listed in HSK levels, it connects with other HSK vocabulary related to daily life, like '卡片' (kǎpiàn, card) and '卡路里' (kǎlùlǐ, calorie). Students should focus on its versatile uses in different contexts to enhance their vocabulary.
A common mistake is using '卡' in the wrong tone, such as saying 'kā' instead of 'kǎ', which would confuse the listener. Another mistake is confusing it with '卡路里' (kǎlùlǐ), which specifically means calorie; make sure to use the full term when discussing nutrition.
Pronunciation of 卡
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Jason Explains 卡 to You
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How Well Do You Know 卡?
Learning Lab
Knowing 卡 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 卡
Depicts being stuck between something above (上) and something below (下).
A card squeezed between 上 and 下
Origin
What kind of character is 卡?
Decomposition of 卡
Parts
Which of these is part of 卡?
How to say to stop in Chinese
“to stop” in Chinese is卡
The character '卡' (kǎ) primarily means 'to block' or 'to stop'. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as referring to physical blockages, cards (like a credit card), or even in computing to describe something that is slow or stuck. The character can also denote customs stations and clips.
When to use 卡
Learners often confuse '卡' with similar-sounding words like '咖' (kā), which means coffee. This character is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing cards or blockage. Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using '卡' in the wrong tone, such as saying 'kā' instead of 'kǎ', which would confuse the listener. Another mistake is confusing it with '卡路里' (kǎlùlǐ), which specifically means calorie; make sure to use the full term when discussing nutrition.
Write 卡
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Practice writing 卡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 卡
卡 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 15 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
记得带____，否则进不了办公室。
Remember to bring your card; otherwise, you can't get into the office.
Common Confusions with 卡
Similar sound but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “to stop”?
Example Sentences for 卡 (14)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “You'll need to get on the right side of Carmela.”
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Cultural Notes for 卡
在中国，信用卡和交通卡是非常常见的。交通卡可以在公交车和地铁上使用，方便快捷，反映了现代城市的生活方式。
在西方国家，信用卡是日常生活的重要组成部分，而在中国，手机支付（如支付宝和微信支付）正在迅速取代传统的信用卡支付方式。
Word Family of 卡
Characters with 卡
What does 咔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 卡
卡 (kǎ) and 刻 (kè) are different in meaning and usage. 卡 refers to stopping or blocking, as well as cards, while 刻 means 'to engrave' or 'to carve'. They have different characters and are used in different contexts in the Chinese language.
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