Meanings of 詞
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About 詞
Podcast: 詞
Podcast: 詞
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AI Study Notes for 詞
词 (cí) vs 语 (yǔ) — use 詞 (cí) when referring specifically to phrases or expressions, while 语 (yǔ) refers more broadly to language or speech.
Be careful not to confuse 詞 (cí) with 詩 (shī), which means 'poetry.' In formal contexts, 詞 is often used in literary discussions or when referring to song lyrics. Common collocations include 詞語 (cíyǔ) meaning 'words' or 'phrases.'
Although not in the official HSK levels, understanding 詞 can enhance vocabulary related to language and literature, connecting with words like 語 (yǔ, language) and 詩 (shī, poetry). Focus on recognizing it in literary contexts.
Learners often misuse 詞 (cí) when referring to general 'words,' mistakenly using it instead of 词语 (cíyǔ), which more accurately means 'words' or 'phrases.' Always distinguish between the two based on context.
Pronunciation of 詞
Drill the tone of 詞 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 詞
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 司 represents the sound. Simplified form of 詞.
words
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 詞
Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 司 represents the sound. Simplified form of 詞.
- 1The meaning half言 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half司 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywords
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 詞? 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
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Decomposition of 詞
Identify the Components
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How to say phrase, expression; words, speech in Chinese
“phrase, expression; words, speech” in Chinese is詞
The character 詞 (cí) refers to a phrase or expression, often related to words and speech. It is commonly used in contexts involving language, literature, and poetry, emphasizing the beauty and art of verbal communication.
When to use 詞
Be careful not to confuse 詞 (cí) with 詩 (shī), which means 'poetry.' In formal contexts, 詞 is often used in literary discussions or when referring to song lyrics. Common collocations include 詞語 (cíyǔ) meaning 'words' or 'phrases.'
詞 or something close to it
词 (cí) vs 语 (yǔ) — use 詞 (cí) when referring specifically to phrases or expressions, while 语 (yǔ) refers more broadly to language or speech.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 詞 (cí) when referring to general 'words,' mistakenly using it instead of 词语 (cíyǔ), which more accurately means 'words' or 'phrases.' Always distinguish between the two based on context.
Write 詞
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Practice writing 詞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 詞
While both Chinese and Western cultures value eloquent speech, Chinese poetry often places greater emphasis on the musicality and rhythm of words, which is encapsulated in the concept of 詞.
Word Family of 詞
Compound Meaning
What does 词 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 詞
詞 refers to phrases or expressions, often in a lyrical form, while 詩 specifically denotes poetry, focusing more on structured verse.
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