Meanings of 曙
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About 曙
Podcast: 曙
Podcast: 曙
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AI Study Notes for 曙
曙 (shǔ, dawn) vs 旭 (xù, rising sun) — use 曙 for the time of day when the sun rises, while 旭 emphasizes the sun's rays or brightness.
While 曙 primarily refers to the dawn, it can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; it's more poetic and not commonly used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 曙光 (shǔguāng), meaning 'dawn light' or 'hope'.
Although 曙 is not part of the official HSK levels, it can be related to words like 早 (zǎo) meaning 'early' or 晨 (chén) meaning 'morning'. Students should focus on understanding its metaphorical use in literature and poetry, enhancing vocabulary related to time and change.
Learners often confuse 曙 with similar characters like 书 (shū, book) or 术 (shù, technique) due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 曙 specifically relates to dawn and is used in more poetic contexts.
Pronunciation of 曙
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Etymology of 曙
sun
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 曙
- 1The meaning half日 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half署 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaysun
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 曙? 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 曙?
Decomposition of 曙
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How to say dawn, daybreak; the dawn of an era in Chinese
“dawn, daybreak; the dawn of an era” in Chinese is曙
The character 曙 (shǔ) refers to the time of day when the sun rises, commonly known as dawn or daybreak. It can also be used metaphorically to signify the beginning of a new era or significant change, often associated with hope and renewal.
When to use 曙
While 曙 primarily refers to the dawn, it can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; it's more poetic and not commonly used in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 曙光 (shǔguāng), meaning 'dawn light' or 'hope'.
曙 or something close to it
曙 (shǔ, dawn) vs 旭 (xù, rising sun) — use 曙 for the time of day when the sun rises, while 旭 emphasizes the sun's rays or brightness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 曙 with similar characters like 书 (shū, book) or 术 (shù, technique) due to the similar pronunciation. Remember that 曙 specifically relates to dawn and is used in more poetic contexts.
Write 曙
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Practice writing 曙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 曙
曙 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 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.
Complete the Sentence
____光照临大地.
The early sun bathes the land in light.
Example Sentences for 曙 (2)
Reorder the Sentence
The early sun bathes the land in light.
Word Family of 曙
Compound Meaning
What does 曙光 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 曙
You can say '曙光乍现' (shǔguāng zhàxiàn), meaning 'the dawn breaks', which captures both the literal and metaphorical essence of new beginnings.
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