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March 24, 2026
酊dīng(ding1)
The character 酊 (dīng) refers to a state of being drunk or intoxicated. It can also imply the use of tinctures, which are alcohol-based extracts in herbal medicine. While primarily associated with intoxication, the context in which it is used may vary, especially in medicinal discussions.
Strokes9Radical酉Frequency#13325DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinctures are often used for their therapeutic properties, connecting the character 酊 to practices that blend health and intoxication, particularly in herbal remedies. This reflects a cultural acceptance of alcohol's dual role in both leisure and health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a vivid scene where a person is 'dipping' their head into a cup of alcohol, becoming progressively more intoxicated. The character 酊 has the '氵' radical, which signifies water or liquid, hinting at its connection to beverages and intoxication.
Meanings of 酊
dīng(ding1)
primary
1drunk, intoxicated
2tincture (loanword)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 酊
酊Simplified
9Strokes
酉Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酊
Podcast: 酊
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AI Study Notes for 酊
Quick Contrast
醉 (zuì) - use 酊 when referring specifically to intoxication related to tinctures or herbal medicine, while 醉 is more general for being drunk.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a vivid scene where a person is 'dipping' their head into a cup of alcohol, becoming progressively more intoxicated. The character 酊 has the '氵' radical, which signifies water or liquid, hinting at its connection to beverages and intoxication.
Usage Notes
酊 is less common in everyday conversation compared to its synonyms for 'drunk'. Be cautious about using it in formal contexts, as it may come off as overly technical or literary. It often appears in phrases related to intoxication or herbal remedies.
HSK Study Tips
Although 酊 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your grasp of related words like 醉 (zuì, drunk) or 酒 (jiǔ, alcohol). Focus on the context of intoxication when learning this term, as it helps in grasping its nuances.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinctures are often used for their therapeutic properties, connecting the character 酊 to practices that blend health and intoxication, particularly in herbal remedies. This reflects a cultural acceptance of alcohol's dual role in both leisure and health.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 酊 with 醉 when talking about being drunk, but using 酊 can sound overly formal. For example, saying '我酊了' (I am drunk) should be replaced with '我醉了' (I am drunk) for everyday use.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酊
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Grammar Patterns of 酊
酊 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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 3
Complete the Sentence
我头很痛，已经酩____大醉。
I had a terrible head and was extraordinarily drunk.
Example Sentences for 酊 (2)
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1
我头很痛，已经酩酊大醉。
wǒ tóu hěn tòng， ， yǐ jīng mǐng dīng dà。
I had a terrible head and was extraordinarily drunk.
Poor Tom lamentably disgraced himself at Sir Charles Mirable 's table, by premature inebriation.
Cultural Notes for 酊
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinctures are often used for their therapeutic properties, connecting the character 酊 to practices that blend health and intoxication, particularly in herbal remedies. This reflects a cultural acceptance of alcohol's dual role in both leisure and health.
Word Family of 酊
Words Containing This Character3
酊dīngtincture (loanword)
酩酊大醉dead drunk
酩酊heavily intoxicated
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 酊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 酊
酊 refers more specifically to the state of being intoxicated or to tinctures, whereas 醉 is a broader term for drunk.
It's not commonly used in casual conversation; you might prefer 醉 instead when talking about being drunk.
酊 does not appear in many idiomatic expressions, but understanding it can provide insights into discussions about alcohol and health.
