Meanings of 塗
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About 塗
Podcast: 塗
Podcast: 塗
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AI Study Notes for 塗
涂 (tú) vs 画 (huà) — use 涂 when referring to applying a substance like paint, while 画 specifically means to draw or paint an image.
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with other similar-sounding characters. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about collocations, as it is often paired with words related to art or application. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
Although 塗 is not in the current HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to art and actions. Students should focus on the contexts in which it is used, such as painting or writing, to build a more robust vocabulary around these themes.
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with 擦 (cā), which means 'to wipe' or 'to rub.' For example, saying '我擦涂画' (wǒ cā tú huà) instead of '我塗畫' (wǒ tú huà) is incorrect. Use 塗 when specifically referring to applying or smearing paint.
Pronunciation of 塗
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Etymology of 塗
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 余 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塗.
water
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 塗
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 余 represents the sound. Simplified form of 塗.
- 1The meaning half氵 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half余 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywater
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 塗? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 塗?
Decomposition of 塗
Identify the Components
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How to say to smear, to scribble, to daub; surname in Chinese
“to smear, to scribble, to daub; surname” in Chinese is塗
The character 塗 (tú) means 'to smear' or 'to daub' and is often used in contexts involving applying a substance to a surface, such as paint or cream. It can also refer to scribbling or drawing carelessly. This word can have both literal and metaphorical implications, such as 'to smear' a reputation.
When to use 塗
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with other similar-sounding characters. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about collocations, as it is often paired with words related to art or application. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing can lead to misunderstandings.
塗 or something close to it
涂 (tú) vs 画 (huà) — use 涂 when referring to applying a substance like paint, while 画 specifically means to draw or paint an image.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 塗 (tú) with 擦 (cā), which means 'to wipe' or 'to rub.' For example, saying '我擦涂画' (wǒ cā tú huà) instead of '我塗畫' (wǒ tú huà) is incorrect. Use 塗 when specifically referring to applying or smearing paint.
Write 塗
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Practice writing 塗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 塗
塗 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
这种____料很贵, 请省着点用.
This paint is very expensive, so please use It'sparingly.
Example Sentences for 塗 (2)
Word Family of 塗
Compound Meaning
What does 涂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 塗
You can say 塗畫 (tú huà) to mean 'to paint' or 塗抹 (tú mǒ) for 'to smear or apply'.
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