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March 24, 2026
渍(漬)zì(zi4)
The character 渍 (zì) primarily means to soak or steep something in liquid, often referring to the process of dyeing or staining. It can also denote the presence of a stain on an object or describe something that is sodden or soaked with water. This word is commonly used in contexts related to cooking, cleaning, and dyeing textiles.
Strokes11Radical氵Frequency#13928DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese dyeing techniques, soaking fabrics in natural dyes is a common practice, and the character 渍 reflects this important aspect of textile production in Chinese culture. It highlights the significance of color and artistry in Chinese textiles.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big pot of water where food is soaking, and you see the colors leaching out into the water. The water is so full of color that it looks 'zì' (like 'dizzy') from all the soaking! The character 渍 combines the water radical (氵) and a character that represents earth (土), implying that something is soaking into the ground.
Meanings of 渍
zì(zi4)
1to soak, to steep; dye, stains; sodden
2to be stained
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 渍
渍Simplified
漬Traditional
11Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 渍
Podcast: 渍
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AI Study Notes for 渍
Quick Contrast
浸 (jìn) - use 渍 when emphasizing the result of soaking or staining, while 浸 focuses more on the action of immersing something in liquid.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big pot of water where food is soaking, and you see the colors leaching out into the water. The water is so full of color that it looks 'zì' (like 'dizzy') from all the soaking! The character 渍 combines the water radical (氵) and a character that represents earth (土), implying that something is soaking into the ground.
Usage Notes
When using 渍, be aware that it can imply both intentional and unintentional soaking. Avoid confusing it with similar words like 泡 (pào), which specifically refers to soaking for a short time, as 渍 implies a longer process. It is more often used in informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Although 渍 is not currently included in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary related to cooking and cleaning found in HSK 3 and 4. Focus on learning its application in everyday scenarios, such as cooking methods or household chores.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese dyeing techniques, soaking fabrics in natural dyes is a common practice, and the character 渍 reflects this important aspect of textile production in Chinese culture. It highlights the significance of color and artistry in Chinese textiles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 渍 with the character 泡 (pào), thinking both mean to soak. However, 泡 implies a shorter soaking time, while 渍 suggests a more prolonged immersion. For example, saying '我把衣服泡在水里' (wǒ bǎ yīfú pào zài shuǐ lǐ) should be corrected to '我把衣服渍在水里'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渍
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Grammar Patterns of 渍
渍 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
试试用柠檬汁去除手指上的烟____。
Try using lemon juice to remove tobacco stains from your fingers.
Stains are removed with buckets of soapy water and scrubbing brushes.
4
干邑白兰地也用于浸渍食材，给砂锅炖菜提味。
gān yì bái lán dì yě yòng yú jìn zì shí cái， ， gěi shā guō dùn cài tí。
Cognac is also used to macerate and flavour ingredients and casseroles.
5
白衬衫被汗水渍黄了.
bái chèn shān bèi hàn shuǐ zì huáng le.
The white shirt was yellowed with sweat.
6
我的连衣裙弄上了污渍。
wǒ de lián yī qún nòng shàng le wū zì。
My dress was stained.
7
她没法将上衣的血渍擦掉.
tā méi fǎ jiāng shàng yī de xiě zì cā diào.
She couldn't rub off the blood stain on her blouse.
8
他擦去了汽车挡风玻璃上的油渍.
tā cā qù le qì chē dǎng fēng bō lí shàng de yóu zì.
He wiped away the grease from the windshield of the car.
9
盐渍的酸橙是北非的一种特产，在烹制鸡肉时用来调味。
yán zì de suān chéng shì běi fēi de yī zhǒng tè chǎn， ， zài pēng zhì jī ròu shí yòng lái tiáo。
Lime preserved in salt is a north African speciality which is used to flavour chicken dishes.
10
我的月季票递还给我时上面留下了他手上的黑汗渍.
wǒ de yuè jì piào dì huán gěi wǒ shí shàng miàn liú xià le tā shǒu shàng de hēi hàn zì.
My commutation ticket came back to me with a dark stain from his hand.
Cultural Notes for 渍
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese dyeing techniques, soaking fabrics in natural dyes is a common practice, and the character 渍 reflects this important aspect of textile production in Chinese culture. It highlights the significance of color and artistry in Chinese textiles.
Word Family of 渍
Words Containing This Character6
渍zìto soak漬
污渍stain污漬
血渍bloodstain血漬
浸渍to soak浸漬
腌渍to pickle醃漬
墨渍ink stain墨漬
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 渍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 渍
渍 can refer to soaking vegetables or meat in a marinade or brine to enhance flavor.
Yes, 渍 can be used for various liquids, but it is most commonly associated with water, sauces, or dyes.
渍 focuses on the act of soaking or dyeing, while 沉 (chén) means to sink or settle down, often referring to objects in a liquid.
