Meanings of 掬
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About 掬
Podcast: 掬
Podcast: 掬
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AI Study Notes for 掬
捧 (pěng) vs 掬 (jū): use 掬 when emphasizing the act of presenting something with both hands, while 捧 focuses more on the act of holding something up or supporting it.
Learners should note that this verb is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for formal contexts or literary expressions. Common collocations include 掬水 (grasp water) or 掬心 (offer one's heart). Be careful with pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
While 掬 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to actions involving hands and offering gestures. Students should focus on the context of usage to understand the emotional weight behind the action represented by this verb.
A frequent mistake is using 掬 in casual contexts where simpler verbs like 拿 (ná, to take) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我想要掬这个杯子' (I want to grasp this cup) sounds overly formal; instead, use '我想拿这个杯子'.
Pronunciation of 掬
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Etymology of 掬
To take 扌a handful 匊; 匊 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 掬
- 1The giveawayTo take 扌a handful 匊; 匊 also provides the pronunciation
- 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 掬? 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
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Decomposition of 掬
Identify the Components
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How to say to grasp or hold with both hands in Chinese
“to grasp or hold with both hands” in Chinese is掬
The character 掬 (jū) means to grasp or hold something with both hands. It is often used in contexts that involve presenting something sincerely or offering it up, such as handing over a gift or showing care and affection. The nuance suggests a gentle but firm action, emphasizing the act of holding something precious or valuable.
When to use 掬
Learners should note that this verb is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more suitable for formal contexts or literary expressions. Common collocations include 掬水 (grasp water) or 掬心 (offer one's heart). Be careful with pronunciation, ensuring the correct tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
掬 or something close to it
捧 (pěng) vs 掬 (jū): use 掬 when emphasizing the act of presenting something with both hands, while 捧 focuses more on the act of holding something up or supporting it.
What learners get wrong
A frequent mistake is using 掬 in casual contexts where simpler verbs like 拿 (ná, to take) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我想要掬这个杯子' (I want to grasp this cup) sounds overly formal; instead, use '我想拿这个杯子'.
Write 掬
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Practice writing 掬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 掬
In Western cultures, offering something with both hands is not as common and may not carry the same cultural significance, where a simple gesture may suffice.
Word Family of 掬
Compound Meaning
What does 笑容可掬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 掬
No, 掬 is more formal and often found in literary contexts or specific expressions.
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