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March 24, 2026
酬(詶)chóu(chou2)
The character 酬 (chóu) primarily means to reward, compensate, or repay in various contexts. It can also refer to toasting or entertaining someone, often in social situations. This character is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, particularly in discussions about gratitude or reciprocation.
Strokes13Radical酉Frequency#19996DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of toasting is an important social ritual during gatherings, signifying respect and camaraderie. The character 酬 reflects this tradition of reciprocity, where one acknowledges and rewards the kindness of others.
Memory Tip
Imagine a banquet where a host raises a toast (酬) in gratitude, rewarding the guests with food and drink. The character 酬 resembles a person holding a glass while the '口' (kǒu) radical at the bottom represents the mouth, symbolizing the act of toasting.
Meanings of 酬
chóu(chou2)
1to toast, to entertain; to reward, to compensate
2to repay
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 酬
酬Simplified
詶Traditional
13Strokes
酉Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#19996Frequency Rank
Podcast: 酬
Podcast: 酬
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AI Study Notes for 酬
Quick Contrast
酬 (chóu) vs 报 (bào) — use 酬 for social contexts of rewarding or toasting, while 报 is more about reporting or informing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a banquet where a host raises a toast (酬) in gratitude, rewarding the guests with food and drink. The character 酬 resembles a person holding a glass while the '口' (kǒu) radical at the bottom represents the mouth, symbolizing the act of toasting.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone while pronouncing 酬, as it is pronounced with the second tone (chóu). Common collocations include 酬劳 (chóuláo - reward for work) and 酬情 (chóuqíng - reciprocate kindness). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words such as 出 (chū) meaning 'to go out'.
HSK Study Tips
酬 is not included in the current HSK levels but is beneficial for learners who aim to expand their vocabulary beyond basic conversational topics. Students should focus on its usage in formal settings, especially in business or hospitality contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of toasting is an important social ritual during gatherings, signifying respect and camaraderie. The character 酬 reflects this tradition of reciprocity, where one acknowledges and rewards the kindness of others.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 酬 with similar characters like 报 (bào), which means 'to report' or 'to retaliate'. For example, saying '我酬你' instead of '我报答你' (I repay you) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 酬
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Grammar Patterns of 酬
酬 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 7 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.
Let me get you something to drink, then I must circulate.
6
他对自己在这桩买卖中所得的报酬不愿多提。
tā duì zì jǐ zài zhè zhuāng mǎi mài zhōng suǒ dé de bào chóu bù yuàn duō tí。
He is cagey about what he was paid for the business.
7
他们打算付你一万美元作为改编老剧本的报酬。
tā mén dǎ suàn fù nǐ yī wàn měi yuán zuò wéi gǎi biān lǎo jù běn de bào chóu。
They're paying you ten grand now for those adaptations of old plays.
8
她本想有一份报酬更高、职权更大的工作。
tā běn xiǎng yǒu yī fèn bào chóu gēng gāo、 、 zhí quán gēng dà de gōng。
She would have loved to have a better-paying job with more responsibility.
9
在我看来，她得到的报酬真是少得可怜。
zài wǒ kàn lái， ， tā dé dào de bào chóu zhēn shì shǎo dé kě。
She was being paid what I considered a derisory amount of money.
10
他拿到了报酬，但少得可怜。
tā ná dào le bào chóu， ， dàn shǎo dé kě。
He was paid, but only mini-mally.
Cultural Notes for 酬
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of toasting is an important social ritual during gatherings, signifying respect and camaraderie. The character 酬 reflects this tradition of reciprocity, where one acknowledges and rewards the kindness of others.
Word Family of 酬
Words Containing This Character15
报酬bàochoureward報酬
酬chóuto repay
应酬yìngchousocial niceties應酬
酬劳reward酬勞
酬金monetary reward
酬谢to thank with a gift酬謝
酬宾bargain sale酬賓
稿酬fee paid to an author for a piece of writing
同工同酬equal pay for equal work
天道酬勤Heaven rewards the diligent. (idiom)
酬报to repay酬報
酬答to thank with a gift
酬应social interaction酬應
酬酢to exchange toasts
酬对to answer酬對
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 报酬 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 酬
You can say, '我想酬谢你对我的帮助' (I want to reward you for your help).
No, 酬 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is particularly relevant in social gatherings.
While both mean to reward, 酬 often implies repayment or reciprocation, whereas 赏 (shǎng) emphasizes giving praise or a reward for achievements.
