Meanings of 採
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 採
Podcast: 採
Podcast: 採
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 採
采 (cǎi, to pick) vs 选 (xuǎn, to choose) — use 採 when emphasizing the act of gathering or obtaining something directly from a source.
Common mistakes include confusing 採 (cǎi) with other similar-sounding verbs. It is typically used in informal contexts but can also appear in more formal discussions about resource collection. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
Although 採 is not listed in the HSK levels, it connects with Level 3 vocabulary related to nature and collecting. Students should focus on its usage in phrases like 採蘑菇 (cǎi mógu) meaning 'to pick mushrooms' to reinforce learning.
Learners often confuse 採 (cǎi) with 采 (cǎi), which also means 'to collect' but is more commonly used in specific contexts like resource extraction. Ensure you use the correct character for the context you're referring to.
Pronunciation of 採
Drill the tone of 採 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 採
Pictograph of a hand (爪) picking fruit from a tree (木).
hand
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 採
Pictograph of a hand (爪) picking fruit from a tree (木).
- 1The meaning half扌 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half采 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhand
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 採? 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 採?
Decomposition of 採
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 採?
How to say to collect, to gather; to pick, to pluck in Chinese
“to collect, to gather; to pick, to pluck” in Chinese is採
The character 採 (cǎi) means 'to collect' or 'to gather,' often used in contexts like picking fruits or flowers. It can also refer to the act of gathering information or resources. This word conveys a sense of actively obtaining something from its source.
When to use 採
Common mistakes include confusing 採 (cǎi) with other similar-sounding verbs. It is typically used in informal contexts but can also appear in more formal discussions about resource collection. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
採 or something close to it
采 (cǎi, to pick) vs 选 (xuǎn, to choose) — use 採 when emphasizing the act of gathering or obtaining something directly from a source.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 採 (cǎi) with 采 (cǎi), which also means 'to collect' but is more commonly used in specific contexts like resource extraction. Ensure you use the correct character for the context you're referring to.
Write 採
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 採 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 採
Compound Meaning
What does 采取 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 採
You can say '我去採蘑菇' (Wǒ qù cǎi mógu), meaning 'I am going to pick mushrooms.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 採?
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.