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March 24, 2026
咂zā(za1)
The character 咂 (zā) refers to the action of sucking or sipping, often used in the context of tasting something, such as food or drink. It can also describe the sound made when smacking one's lips, indicating enjoyment or savoring of flavors. This term is commonly used in culinary contexts, especially when discussing the appreciation of flavors.
Strokes8Radical口Frequency#21423DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the appreciation of taste is significant, especially in culinary traditions like tea tasting or gourmet dining. The act of savoring flavors is often accompanied by a social aspect, where sharing food and tasting together enhances the experience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef (the radical 口) who is so delighted with a dish that they smack their lips (the sound 'zā') while savoring the rich flavors. Visualize the chef sucking on a delicious noodle, making that satisfying 'zā' sound with each sip.
Meanings of 咂
zā(za1)
1to suck, to smack the lips
2to sip
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 咂
咂Simplified
8Strokes
口Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 咂
Podcast: 咂
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AI Study Notes for 咂
Quick Contrast
啃 (kěn) - use 咂 when emphasizing the act of savoring flavors, while 啃 focuses on the action of biting or gnawing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef (the radical 口) who is so delighted with a dish that they smack their lips (the sound 'zā') while savoring the rich flavors. Visualize the chef sucking on a delicious noodle, making that satisfying 'zā' sound with each sip.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 咂 with similar sounding words, such as 吸 (xī), which means to inhale or suck in a broader sense. This word is more informal and is often used in conversational contexts rather than formal writing. Be aware of its tone; the first tone can convey excitement or pleasure.
HSK Study Tips
Although 咂 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other HSK vocabulary about food and sensory experiences, such as 吃 (chī) and 喝 (hē). Students should focus on pronunciation and usage in casual conversation to enhance their culinary vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the appreciation of taste is significant, especially in culinary traditions like tea tasting or gourmet dining. The act of savoring flavors is often accompanied by a social aspect, where sharing food and tasting together enhances the experience.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 咂 with other similar verbs like 吸 (xī), leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我咂气' (wǒ zā qì, 'I suck air') is incorrect; the correct verb for that action would be 吸 (xī).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 咂
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Grammar Patterns of 咂
咂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 5
Complete the Sentence
特迪____了咂舌头，活像个不以为然的英国女舍监。
Teddy clucked his tongue like a disapproving English matron.
Example Sentences for 咂 (6)
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1
特迪咂了咂舌头，活像个不以为然的英国女舍监。
tè dí zā le zā shé tóu， ， huó xiàng gè bù yǐ wéi rán de yīng guó nǚ shě。
Teddy clucked his tongue like a disapproving English matron.
2
“我真的很想吃点儿点心，”基顿咂着嘴说。
“ “ wǒ zhēn de hěn xiǎng chī diǎn ér diǎn，” xīn ，” jī dùn zā zháo。
"I really want some dessert," Keaton says, smacking his lips.
3
我们一口吞下了巧克力，满意地咂着嘴。
wǒ mén yī kǒu tūn xià le qiǎo kè lì， ， mǎn yì dì zā zháo。
We swallowed the chocolates in one gulp, licking our lips.
4
他不满地咂咂嘴。
tā bù mǎn dì zā zā zuǐ。
He clucks in disapproval.
5
他正咂着嘴喝茶。
tā zhèng zā zháo zuǐ hē chá。
He was slurping his tea.
6
他咂嘴发出啧啧声以吸引他们的注意。
tā zā zuǐ fā chū zé zé shēng yǐ xī yǐn tā mén de zhù yì。
He clicked his tongue to attract their attention.
Cultural Notes for 咂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the appreciation of taste is significant, especially in culinary traditions like tea tasting or gourmet dining. The act of savoring flavors is often accompanied by a social aspect, where sharing food and tasting together enhances the experience.
Word Family of 咂
Words Containing This Character3
咂zāto sip
咂摸(dialect) to savor
点头咂嘴to approve by nodding one's head and smacking one's lips (idiom)點頭咂嘴
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 咂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 咂
No, 咂 is more commonly used in informal conversations, particularly when discussing food or drinks.
It's primarily associated with tasting and savoring food or drink, so its use outside these contexts may sound odd.
It is pronounced with a high-level tone, like 'zā', so ensure to emphasize that first tone.
