Meanings of 寝
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About 寝
Podcast: 寝
Podcast: 寝
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AI Study Notes for 寝
卧 (wò) refers specifically to 'lying down' or 'to recline,' while 寝 (qǐn) encompasses both 'to sleep' and 'bedroom,' making it broader in context.
Learners should note that 寝 is often used in more formal contexts, such as in literature or when discussing sleep-related topics. Common collocations include 寝室 (qǐnshì, 'bedroom') and 寝具 (qǐnjù, 'bedding'). Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing it as qin could lead to confusion.
While 寝 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it shares roots with other sleep-related terms. Students should focus on its connections to related words like 睡觉 (shuìjiào, 'to sleep') and 休息 (xiūxí, 'to rest') to enhance their understanding and vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 寝 with its modern variant 寝 (qǐn) and mispronounce it as qin. Ensure you use the correct tone and context when speaking about sleep or resting.
Pronunciation of 寝
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Etymology of 寝
A person 彐冖又 lying down on a bed 丬 in their home 宀
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 寝
- 1The giveawayA person 彐冖又 lying down on a bed 丬 in their home 宀
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 寝? 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 寝?
Decomposition of 寝
Identify the Components
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How to say to lie down in Chinese
“to lie down” in Chinese is寝
The character 寝 (qǐn) primarily means 'to lie down' or 'to sleep.' It can also refer to a 'bedroom' or a place where one rests. This term is often used in contexts related to sleep and rest, highlighting its importance in daily life and well-being.
When to use 寝
Learners should note that 寝 is often used in more formal contexts, such as in literature or when discussing sleep-related topics. Common collocations include 寝室 (qǐnshì, 'bedroom') and 寝具 (qǐnjù, 'bedding'). Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing it as qin could lead to confusion.
寝 or something close to it
卧 (wò) refers specifically to 'lying down' or 'to recline,' while 寝 (qǐn) encompasses both 'to sleep' and 'bedroom,' making it broader in context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 寝 with its modern variant 寝 (qǐn) and mispronounce it as qin. Ensure you use the correct tone and context when speaking about sleep or resting.
Write 寝
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Practice writing 寝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 寝
寝 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.
Complete the Sentence
两个男人都传话说他们已经就____了。
Both men sent word that they had retired for the evening.
Example Sentences for 寝 (3)
Word Family of 寝
Compound Meaning
What does 寝室 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 寝
寝 refers more to the act of lying down or resting, while 睡觉 specifically means 'to sleep.'
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