Meanings of 睐
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About 睐
Podcast: 睐
Podcast: 睐
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AI Study Notes for 睐
Learners often confuse 睐 (lài) with similar words like 看 (kàn) or 望 (wàng), which are more general terms for looking or seeing. This term is more informal and is typically used in contexts where suspicion or critical observation is implied. Remember to pronounce it with a falling tone to convey the correct meaning.
Although 睐 is not an HSK word, it relates to the theme of vision and observation found in HSK Level 2 vocabulary like 看 (kàn) and 见 (jiàn). Focus on the nuances of different looking verbs to understand when to use 睐 appropriately.
Learners sometimes confuse 睐 with similar looking verbs, misusing it in contexts where a neutral term like 看 (kàn) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我睐他' (Wǒ lài tā) to mean 'I see him' would be incorrect; it should be '我看他' (Wǒ kàn tā).
Pronunciation of 睐
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Etymology of 睐
Phonosemantic compound. 目 represents the meaning and 来 represents the sound. Simplified form of 睞.
eye
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 睐
Phonosemantic compound. 目 represents the meaning and 来 represents the sound. Simplified form of 睞.
- 1The meaning half目 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half来 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayeye
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 睐? 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 睐?
Decomposition of 睐
Identify the Components
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How to say to squint at; a sidelong glance in Chinese
“to squint at; a sidelong glance” in Chinese is睐
The character 睐 (lài) refers to the act of squinting or glancing sideways. It is commonly used to describe a specific kind of look that conveys suspicion, skepticism, or furtiveness. This term can appear in both literary and conversational contexts, often implying a lack of trust or a careful observation of someone or something.
When to use 睐
Learners often confuse 睐 (lài) with similar words like 看 (kàn) or 望 (wàng), which are more general terms for looking or seeing. This term is more informal and is typically used in contexts where suspicion or critical observation is implied. Remember to pronounce it with a falling tone to convey the correct meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 睐 with similar looking verbs, misusing it in contexts where a neutral term like 看 (kàn) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '我睐他' (Wǒ lài tā) to mean 'I see him' would be incorrect; it should be '我看他' (Wǒ kàn tā).
Write 睐
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Practice writing 睐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 睐
睐 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
受艺术家青____的深紫色花
the deep purple flowers so beloved by artists
Example Sentences for 睐 (1)
Word Family of 睐
Compound Meaning
What does 青睐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 睐
No, 睐 is more often found in literary contexts or descriptive narratives rather than in everyday speech.
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