Meanings of 斟
By ear
Play it, then pick what 斟 means.
About 斟
Podcast: 斟
Podcast: 斟
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 斟
斟 (zhēn) vs 倒 (dǎo) — use 斟 when emphasizing careful pouring, particularly of drinks, while 倒 is more general for pouring or tipping something out.
斟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in tea ceremonies or wine tastings. A common mistake is using it casually outside of these contexts, as it may sound overly formal. Learners should also be mindful of the tone, ensuring they pronounce it with a high flat tone (zhēn) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
While 斟 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to actions and social interactions. Students should focus on its nuances in pouring and deliberation to better understand its usage in conversations about decision-making or hospitality.
Learners often confuse 斟 with simpler verbs like 倒 (dào), which also means 'to pour' but is more casual. For instance, saying '我想倒酒' (I want to pour wine) is correct, but using 斟 might sound too formal in a casual setting.
Pronunciation of 斟
Drill the tone of 斟 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 斟 to You
Let me explain 斟 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 斟 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 斟?
Learning Lab
Knowing 斟 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 斟
Phonosemantic compound. 斗 represents the meaning and 甚 represents the sound.
measuring cup
Origin
斟 = 斗 + 甚. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 斟
Parts
Which of these is part of 斟?
How to say to pour in Chinese
“to pour” in Chinese is斟
The character 斟 (zhēn) primarily means 'to pour', particularly in the context of beverages like wine or tea. It can also imply the act of deliberating or gauging a situation carefully before making a decision, reflecting a sense of thoughtfulness. This dual meaning makes it versatile in both social and formal contexts.
When to use 斟
斟 is often used in formal contexts, especially in tea ceremonies or wine tastings. A common mistake is using it casually outside of these contexts, as it may sound overly formal. Learners should also be mindful of the tone, ensuring they pronounce it with a high flat tone (zhēn) to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
斟 or something close to it
斟 (zhēn) vs 倒 (dǎo) — use 斟 when emphasizing careful pouring, particularly of drinks, while 倒 is more general for pouring or tipping something out.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斟 with simpler verbs like 倒 (dào), which also means 'to pour' but is more casual. For instance, saying '我想倒酒' (I want to pour wine) is correct, but using 斟 might sound too formal in a casual setting.
Write 斟
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 斟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斟
斟 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 3 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她讲话时____酌再三，说得非常慢。
She spoke very slowly, weighing what she would say.
Example Sentences for 斟 (9)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 斟?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 斟
Words with 斟
What does 斟酌 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斟
It's commonly used in formal settings like tea ceremonies, wine tastings, or when discussing careful deliberation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 斟?
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.