Meanings of 斋
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About 斋
Podcast: 斋
Podcast: 斋
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AI Study Notes for 斋
素 (sù, vegetarian) — use 斋 (zhāi) when emphasizing the religious or ceremonial aspect of abstaining from food, rather than just the dietary choice.
Common mistakes include misusing 斋 to refer to non-vegetarian diets. It is mostly used in formal contexts related to religion or education. Pay attention to the tone, as 斋 (zhāi) with the first tone differs from other tones.
While 斋 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it can be relevant for learners interested in religious or cultural contexts. Focus on recognizing it in texts related to Buddhism or vegetarianism, which may appear in advanced studies.
Learners often confuse 斋 (zhāi) with 餐 (cān), which means meal, leading to incorrect phrases like '斋餐' (zhāi cān, which implies a non-vegetarian meal). Correct usage would be '素餐' (sù cān) for vegetarian meal.
Pronunciation of 斋
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Etymology of 斋
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 斋
- 1The meaning half文 carries the sense.
- 2The giveawayculture
- 3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 斋? 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 斋
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How to say to fast, to abstain; a vegetarian diet in Chinese
“to fast, to abstain; a vegetarian diet” in Chinese is斋
The character 斋 (zhāi) primarily means to fast or abstain from certain foods, especially in a religious context. It can also refer to a vegetarian diet or a study room, reflecting a place of learning or contemplation.
When to use 斋
Common mistakes include misusing 斋 to refer to non-vegetarian diets. It is mostly used in formal contexts related to religion or education. Pay attention to the tone, as 斋 (zhāi) with the first tone differs from other tones.
斋 or something close to it
素 (sù, vegetarian) — use 斋 (zhāi) when emphasizing the religious or ceremonial aspect of abstaining from food, rather than just the dietary choice.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斋 (zhāi) with 餐 (cān), which means meal, leading to incorrect phrases like '斋餐' (zhāi cān, which implies a non-vegetarian meal). Correct usage would be '素餐' (sù cān) for vegetarian meal.
Write 斋
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Practice writing 斋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斋
斋 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 6 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
日落时开____，按传统会吃椰枣、喝水。
The fast is broken at sunset, traditionally with dates and water.
Example Sentences for 斋 (2)
Cultural Notes for 斋
In Western cultures, fasting is often linked to personal health or spiritual reflection, whereas in China, it is frequently tied to religious observances and communal practices.
Word Family of 斋
Compound Meaning
What does 斋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斋
斋 (zhāi) is the simplified form used in modern Chinese, while 齋 (zhāi) is the traditional form. Both carry similar meanings.
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