Meanings of 殆
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Podcast: 殆
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AI study notes for 殆
危 (wēi) — use 殆 (dài) when emphasizing likelihood or probability of danger, while 危 (wēi) focuses more on the inherent danger itself.
A common mistake is confusing 殆 with similar sounding characters, such as 代 (dài), which means 'to replace'. This character is generally used in formal contexts to indicate risk, so be mindful of the tone and formality required in different situations. Remember to use it correctly in expressions like '殆尽' (dài jìn), which means 'almost exhausted'.
Though 殆 is not included in HSK levels, it relates to concepts of probability and danger which are present in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in idiomatic expressions and practice differentiating it from other similar-sounding words.
Learners often confuse 殆 with the character 代 (dài), meaning 'to replace'. For example, saying '我殆他' instead of '我代他' (I replace him) can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember that 殆 relates to danger or probability.
Pronunciation of 殆
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Etymology of 殆
Phonosemantic compound. 歹 represents the meaning and 台 represents the sound.
death
Origin
殆 = 歹 + 台. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 殆
Parts
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How to say almost, probably; danger, peril; to endanger in Chinese
“almost, probably; danger, peril; to endanger” in Chinese is殆
The character 殆 (dài) conveys a sense of danger or peril, often implying that something is almost certain or likely to happen. It is used in contexts where there is an imminent risk or threat, as well as in expressions indicating probability. This duality makes it useful in both literal and figurative language.
When to use 殆
A common mistake is confusing 殆 with similar sounding characters, such as 代 (dài), which means 'to replace'. This character is generally used in formal contexts to indicate risk, so be mindful of the tone and formality required in different situations. Remember to use it correctly in expressions like '殆尽' (dài jìn), which means 'almost exhausted'.
殆 or something close to it
危 (wēi) — use 殆 (dài) when emphasizing likelihood or probability of danger, while 危 (wēi) focuses more on the inherent danger itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 殆 with the character 代 (dài), meaning 'to replace'. For example, saying '我殆他' instead of '我代他' (I replace him) can lead to misunderstandings. Always remember that 殆 relates to danger or probability.
Write 殆
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Practice writing 殆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 殆
殆 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 4 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.
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并不是他们把全球的资源耗费____尽的。
It isn't them who use up the world's resources.
Example sentences for 殆 (1)
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Word Family of 殆
Words with 殆
What does 殆尽 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 殆
Common phrases include '殆尽' (dài jìn, almost exhausted) and '殆难' (dài nán, almost impossible).
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