Meanings of 夙
By ear
Play it, then pick what 夙 means.
About 夙
Podcast: 夙
Podcast: 夙
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 夙
When using 夙, be mindful of its literary connotation; it's more formal and poetic compared to simple terms for 'morning.' A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler morning-related terms like 早 (zǎo). It often collocates with words like 'dream' (梦) to express long-held aspirations.
Although 夙 is not part of the HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to time and daily routines, which are essential for HSK beginners. Students should focus on its usage in literature to understand its nuanced meanings, especially in poetry.
Learners often confuse 夙 with 早 (zǎo), using it in informal situations where a simpler term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying 夙起床 (sù qǐchuáng) for 'wake up early,' use 早起床 (zǎo qǐchuáng).
Pronunciation of 夙
Drill the tone of 夙 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 夙 to you
Let me explain 夙 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 夙 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 夙?
Learning Lab
Knowing 夙 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 夙
Decomposition of 夙
Parts
Which of these is part of 夙?
How to say dawn, early in the morning; previous; long-held in Chinese
“dawn, early in the morning; previous; long-held” in Chinese is夙
The character 夙 (sù) primarily means 'dawn' or 'early in the morning,' referring to the time shortly after nightfall has ended. It can also imply something that has been long-held or cherished, often in a historical or poetic context. This character is commonly used in literary expressions and can evoke a sense of nostalgia or continuity.
When to use 夙
When using 夙, be mindful of its literary connotation; it's more formal and poetic compared to simple terms for 'morning.' A common mistake is to confuse it with simpler morning-related terms like 早 (zǎo). It often collocates with words like 'dream' (梦) to express long-held aspirations.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 夙 with 早 (zǎo), using it in informal situations where a simpler term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying 夙起床 (sù qǐchuáng) for 'wake up early,' use 早起床 (zǎo qǐchuáng).
Write 夙
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 夙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 夙
夙 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 4 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.
与天主教的____怨可以追溯到11世纪。
The feud with the Catholics goes back to the 11th century.
Example sentences for 夙 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 夙?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 夙
Words with 夙
What does 夙愿 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 夙
夙 is rarely used in everyday conversation; it's more common in literary or poetic contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 夙?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.