Meanings of 撮
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 撮
Podcast: 撮
Podcast: 撮
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 撮
捏 (niē) vs 摘 (zhāi) — use 撮 (cuō) when referring to gathering or pinching a small amount, while 捏 implies squeezing or pinching more firmly, and 摘 refers specifically to picking or plucking items.
Imagine you are using your fingers to pinch a small tuft of grass or herbs. The character 撮 has a hand-like radical (扌) on the left, emphasizing the action of using your hands, while the right side suggests a gathering motion. Picture yourself scooping up a pinch of spices with your fingers, symbolizing both the action and the meaning.
This verb is often used in informal contexts and can appear in culinary settings, such as '撮一撮盐' (pinch a bit of salt). Be cautious with the tones; 'cuō' has a flat tone, which can be confused with other words if mispronounced.
While 撮 is not in the official HSK list, it connects well with other verbs related to actions (like 拿 ná - to take) that are essential at beginner levels. Focus on practicing its pronunciation and how it fits into cooking or gardening vocabulary.
In Chinese cuisine, the method of using one's fingers to pinch seasonings is common and reflects a more hands-on approach to cooking compared to Western practices, where measuring tools are often preferred.
Learners often confuse 撮 with similar-sounding characters like 挫 (cuò - to weaken). For example, saying '我撮了这个' (I pinched this) instead of '我撮了盐' (I pinched some salt) can lead to confusion about the context.
Pronunciation of 撮
Drill the tone of 撮 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 撮
Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 最 represents the sound.
hand
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 撮?
Decomposition of 撮
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 撮?
Write 撮
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 撮 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 撮
撮 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 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
他下巴上有一小____胡须。
He had a small tuft of hair on his chin.
Example Sentences for 撮 (2)
Cultural Notes for 撮
In Chinese cuisine, the method of using one's fingers to pinch seasonings is common and reflects a more hands-on approach to cooking compared to Western practices, where measuring tools are often preferred.
Word Family of 撮
Compound Meaning
What does 撮合 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 撮
It is pronounced as 'cuō' with a flat tone.