Meanings of 盏
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AI study notes for 盏
盅 (zhōng) - use 盏 for small cups or containers, especially for tea, while 盅 specifically refers to small bowls or cups for soup.
While 盏 specifically refers to small cups, it is important not to confuse it with larger containers, which use different classifiers. Register-wise, it is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal conversations. Common collocations include 盏茶 (a cup of tea) and 盏灯 (a lamp). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
Although 盏 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects with related vocabulary about dining and home, such as 杯 (bēi, cup) and 灯 (dēng, lamp). Students should focus on its usage in context to solidify understanding, especially in discussions about food and home settings.
Learners often confuse 盏 with 杯 (bēi), which means 'cup' but is used for larger ones. For instance, saying '我喝了一盏水' (wǒ hē le yī zhǎn shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喝了一杯水' (wǒ hē le yī bēi shuǐ) meaning 'I drank a cup of water.'
Pronunciation of 盏
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Etymology of 盏
A small 戋 dish 皿; 戋 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
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Decomposition of 盏
Parts
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How to say small cup or container in Chinese
“small cup or container” in Chinese is盏
The character 盏 (zhǎn) primarily refers to a small cup or container, often used for serving tea or other beverages. It is also a classifier for lamps, particularly those that are small or portable. In contexts like dining or discussing home decor, this term is frequently encountered.
When to use 盏
While 盏 specifically refers to small cups, it is important not to confuse it with larger containers, which use different classifiers. Register-wise, it is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal conversations. Common collocations include 盏茶 (a cup of tea) and 盏灯 (a lamp). Pay attention to the third tone, as mispronouncing it can change its meaning.
盏 or something close to it
盅 (zhōng) - use 盏 for small cups or containers, especially for tea, while 盅 specifically refers to small bowls or cups for soup.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 盏 with 杯 (bēi), which means 'cup' but is used for larger ones. For instance, saying '我喝了一盏水' (wǒ hē le yī zhǎn shuǐ) is incorrect; it should be '我喝了一杯水' (wǒ hē le yī bēi shuǐ) meaning 'I drank a cup of water.'
Write 盏
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Grammar patterns of 盏
盏 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. 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.
房间里仅靠这一____灯照明。
The room was lit by only the one light.
Example sentences for 盏 (10)
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Word Family of 盏
Words with 盏
What does 灯盏 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 盏
In dining contexts, 盏 refers to a small cup used for serving tea or other beverages, emphasizing the importance of the drinking experience.
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