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March 24, 2026
塑sù(su4)
The character 塑 (sù) refers to the act of modeling or sculpting, particularly in materials such as clay. It can also denote plastic materials, reflecting the idea of shaping or forming something. This word is commonly used in artistic contexts or when discussing materials that can be molded.
Strokes13Radical土Frequency#13107DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional crafts like clay modeling and pottery are highly valued, often reflecting local heritage and artistry. The use of plastic (塑料) has also transformed modern life, influencing everything from packaging to everyday objects.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sculptor (塑) shaping a figure out of soft clay. The left part of the character, 土 (tǔ), represents earth or soil, while the right part, 𠂇, can be thought of as the hands working to mold the clay. Visualize 'sue' (sounds like 'sù') the sculptor creating a masterpiece.
Meanings of 塑
sù(su4)
1to model (a figure) in clay
2to sculpt, to model in clay; plastic
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 塑
塑Simplified
13Strokes
土Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13107Frequency Rank
Podcast: 塑
Podcast: 塑
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AI Study Notes for 塑
Quick Contrast
塑 (sù) vs 造 (zào) — use 塑 when specifically referring to modeling or shaping materials like clay or plastic, while 造 refers to the act of building or creating more generally.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sculptor (塑) shaping a figure out of soft clay. The left part of the character, 土 (tǔ), represents earth or soil, while the right part, 𠂇, can be thought of as the hands working to mold the clay. Visualize 'sue' (sounds like 'sù') the sculptor creating a masterpiece.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 塑 (sù) with other similar-sounding characters, as it specifically relates to modeling and plastic materials. It's typically used in more formal contexts, especially in art or manufacturing. Common collocations include 塑料 (sùliào, plastic) and 塑像 (sùxiàng, sculpture).
HSK Study Tips
While 塑 (sù) is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to concepts in art and material science, which may appear in advanced levels. Students should focus on related words and phrases that involve art and crafting.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, traditional crafts like clay modeling and pottery are highly valued, often reflecting local heritage and artistry. The use of plastic (塑料) has also transformed modern life, influencing everything from packaging to everyday objects.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 塑 (sù) with 速 (sù, fast) due to similar pronunciation. For example, saying '他塑得很快' (Tā sù de hěn kuài) is incorrect; it should be '他做得很快' (Tā zuò de hěn kuài) to mean 'He does it quickly.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 塑
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Grammar Patterns of 塑
塑 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 2 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.
Using 2 spoons, mould the cheese mixture into small balls or ovals.
9
电气技师们很出色地把这些早已失传的声音从老唱片中转录到现代的塑料薄膜唱片上.
diàn qì jì shī mén hěn chū sè dì bǎ zhè xiē zǎo yǐ shī chuán de shēng yīn cóng lǎo chàng piàn zhōng zhuǎn lù dào xiàn dài de sù liào báo mó chàng piàn shàng.
The electricians have performed wonders in recording these long dead voices from old wax onto modern plastic surfaces.
10
下午5点02分，她拿着塑料考勤卡从银行打卡下班。
xià wǔ5 502 diǎn， 02 fēn ， tā ná zháo sù liào kǎo qín kǎ cóng yín háng dǎ。
She had clocked out of her bank at 02pm using her plastic card.
Cultural Notes for 塑
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, traditional crafts like clay modeling and pottery are highly valued, often reflecting local heritage and artistry. The use of plastic (塑料) has also transformed modern life, influencing everything from packaging to everyday objects.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of sculpting often emphasizes artistic expression, while in China, it may also reflect cultural significance and historical practices in craftsmanship.
Word Family of 塑
Words Containing This Character17
塑料sùliàoplastics
塑造sùzàoto model
雕塑diāosùa statue
塑sùto model (a figure) in clay
塑料袋sùliàodàiplastic bag
塑胶plastic塑膠
重塑to remodel
塑像(molded or modeled) statue
可塑性plasticity
泡沫塑料styrofoam
塑性plasticity
泥塑clay modeling
注塑injection molding
增塑剂plasticizer增塑劑
彩塑painted clay figure
面塑dough modeling麵塑
过塑(stationery) to laminate過塑
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 塑料 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 塑
Some examples include 塑料 (sùliào), which means plastic, and 塑像 (sùxiàng), meaning a sculpture or statue. These words highlight the use of the character in different contexts.
While 塑 (sù) primarily refers to modeling in clay, it can also pertain to the concept of shaping materials more broadly, including plastics. In modern contexts, it is often associated with plastic products.
塑 (sù) means to model or sculpt, particularly in clay. It can also refer to plastic materials in a broader context. This character is often used when discussing art and crafting.
You can use 塑 (sù) in a sentence like '我喜欢塑泥娃娃' (Wǒ xǐhuān sù ní wáwá), which means 'I like to model clay dolls.' This showcases the action of sculpting or modeling using clay.
塑 (sù) specifically refers to modeling or sculpting, while 造 (zào) refers to creating or constructing more broadly.
Yes, it can also refer to plastic materials used in manufacturing.
It is usually found in more specialized contexts, such as art or material discussions.
