Meanings of 崽
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About 崽
Podcast: 崽
Podcast: 崽
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AI Study Notes for 崽
幼崽 (yòuzǎi) refers specifically to 'young offspring' or 'cub' of animals, while 崽 (zǎi) can refer to young animals in a broader sense, including informal use for children.
崽 is often used in informal contexts, particularly among friends or in familial settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with 子 (zǐ) which also means 'child' but is more formal. Be mindful of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 崽 is not a part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates to HSK Level 3 words like 小 (xiǎo, 'small') and 孩 (hái, 'child'). Focus on the diminutive nature of the word to understand its casual usage better.
Learners often confuse 崽 with other similar characters like 子 (zǐ) or 孩 (hái). For example, saying '我有两个子' instead of '我有两个崽' when referring to young animals. The correct usage would be '我有两个崽' (I have two young animals).
Pronunciation of 崽
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Etymology of 崽
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Case file: 崽
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Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 崽
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How to say child, servant; a diminutive in Chinese
“child, servant; a diminutive” in Chinese is崽
The character 崽 (zǎi) primarily means 'young animal' or 'offspring,' often used to refer to young versions of various creatures. It can also be used informally to describe a child or someone considered immature, capturing a sense of endearment or diminutiveness. In this context, it can imply someone who is not yet fully grown or developed.
When to use 崽
崽 is often used in informal contexts, particularly among friends or in familial settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with 子 (zǐ) which also means 'child' but is more formal. Be mindful of tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
崽 or something close to it
幼崽 (yòuzǎi) refers specifically to 'young offspring' or 'cub' of animals, while 崽 (zǎi) can refer to young animals in a broader sense, including informal use for children.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 崽 with other similar characters like 子 (zǐ) or 孩 (hái). For example, saying '我有两个子' instead of '我有两个崽' when referring to young animals. The correct usage would be '我有两个崽' (I have two young animals).
Write 崽
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Grammar Patterns of 崽
崽 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.
Complete the Sentence
小狗____冲着我的脚腕子汪汪叫.
The little dogs were yapping at my ankles.
Example Sentences for 崽 (3)
Word Family of 崽
Compound Meaning
What does 崽 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 崽
Yes, 崽 can informally refer to young children, but it carries a more casual or affectionate tone.
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