Meanings of 采
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AI Study Notes for 采
采 (cǎi) vs 选 (xuǎn) — use 采 when referring to picking or gathering items from nature, while 选 is for choosing among options or selections.
Be careful not to confuse 采 with similar-sounding characters. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 采集 (cǎijí, to collect) and 采摘 (cǎizhuā, to pick fruits).
While 采 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary around nature and selection at HSK level 3 and above. Students should focus on its usage in context to enhance comprehension.
Learners often confuse 采 with 采纳 (cǎinà, to adopt), which has a different meaning related to accepting suggestions. Always remember that 采 specifically involves the action of picking or gathering.
Pronunciation of 采
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Jason Explains 采 to You
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Etymology of 采
Pictograph of a hand (爪) picking fruit from a tree (木).
A hand picking 爫 fruit from a tree 木
Origin
What kind of character is 采?
Decomposition of 采
Parts
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How to say to pick in Chinese
“to pick” in Chinese is采
The character 采 (cǎi) primarily means 'to pick' or 'to pluck', often relating to gathering or collecting items from nature, such as fruits or herbs. It can also imply selecting or choosing among options, making it relevant in contexts like decision-making or preferences.
When to use 采
Be careful not to confuse 采 with similar-sounding characters. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 采集 (cǎijí, to collect) and 采摘 (cǎizhuā, to pick fruits).
采 or something close to it
采 (cǎi) vs 选 (xuǎn) — use 采 when referring to picking or gathering items from nature, while 选 is for choosing among options or selections.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 采 with 采纳 (cǎinà, to adopt), which has a different meaning related to accepting suggestions. Always remember that 采 specifically involves the action of picking or gathering.
Write 采
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Practice writing 采 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 采
采 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Fill the gap
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基于以上分析，我们建议____用第二方案。
Based on the above analysis, we recommend adopting the second plan.
Common Confusions with 采
Same pronunciation but different meanings and radicals.
Similar sound but different meanings.
Which one
Which one means “to pick”?
Example Sentences for 采 (10)
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Word Family of 采
Characters with 采
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Frequently Asked Questions about 采
While 采 (cǎi) focuses on the act of picking or gathering, 拾 (shí) means to pick up, often from the ground, and 选 (xuǎn) means to choose or select among options. Understanding these nuances can help clarify their use in different contexts.
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