Meanings of 宿
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About 宿
Podcast: 宿
Podcast: 宿
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AI Study Notes for 宿
宿 (sù) vs 住 (zhù) — use 宿 when referring specifically to lodging for the night, while 住 refers to the act of residing or living in a place.
Think of 宿 as a cozy 'nest' (the roof radical 宀 above the character) where one 'stays' overnight. Visualize a bird settling down to sleep in its nest, symbolizing rest and night, while the 's' sound (宿) reminds you of 'snooze.'
Be careful not to confuse 宿 with similar-sounding words like 速 (sù), which means 'fast.' 宿 is more commonly used in formal contexts or when discussing lodging, while in casual conversation, you might use simpler phrases like 'stay' or 'sleep.' Common collocations include 宿舍 (dormitory) and 住宿 (accommodation).
Although 宿 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it is relevant for learners studying vocabulary related to travel and accommodation. Focus on the contexts where 宿 is used, such as in travel-related phrases or discussions about sleep and rest.
宿 is often found in terms related to traditional Chinese inns or hostels, reflecting the historical importance of hospitality in Chinese culture. The concept of lodging is crucial in the context of travel, especially in ancient China when long journeys required frequent overnight stays.
Learners often confuse 宿 with the verb 住 (zhù), thinking they can interchange them. For example, saying '我在这里宿' (Wǒ zài zhèlǐ sù) instead of '我在这里住' (Wǒ zài zhèlǐ zhù) is incorrect; 宿 is not used as a verb for living in a place.
Pronunciation of 宿
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Etymology of 宿
A person 亻 sleeping in a bed 百 under a roof 宀
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 宿
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Write 宿
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Practice writing 宿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 宿
宿 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 10 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.
Complete the Sentence
住____免费——你只需付早餐和正餐的钱。
Accommodation is free — all you pay for is breakfast and dinner.
Example Sentences for 宿 (10)
Cultural Notes for 宿
宿 is often found in terms related to traditional Chinese inns or hostels, reflecting the historical importance of hospitality in Chinese culture. The concept of lodging is crucial in the context of travel, especially in ancient China when long journeys required frequent overnight stays.
Word Family of 宿
Compound Meaning
What does 缩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 宿
It is pronounced as 'sù' with a falling tone.