Meanings of 隹
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About 隹
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Podcast: 隹
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AI Study Notes for 隹
This character is mostly used in written Chinese, particularly in literary contexts or descriptions of birds. Common mistakes include confusing it with other bird-related characters due to similar appearances, so it's important to remember its specific meaning. Avoid using it in informal speech.
Although 隹 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be useful for students studying animal vocabulary. Focus on related words such as 鸟 (niǎo - bird) and other characters that describe animal characteristics, as this will enhance your understanding of Mandarin vocabulary.
Learners often confuse 隹 with 鸟 (niǎo), which is a more general term for 'bird.' For example, saying '我看到一个隹' (I saw a zhuī) instead of '我看到一只鸟' (I saw a bird) would be incorrect usage.
Pronunciation of 隹
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Etymology of 隹
Pictograph of a short-tailed bird.
A bird facing left; compare 鳥
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 隹
Pictograph of a short-tailed bird.
- 1The giveawayA bird facing left; compare 鳥
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
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Want the full history of 隹? 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 隹
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How to say short-tailed bird; sparrow in Chinese
“short-tailed bird; sparrow” in Chinese is隹
The character 隹 (zhuī) refers specifically to a short-tailed bird, often associated with birds like sparrows. It is used primarily in compound words rather than on its own, frequently appearing in contexts related to bird species or characteristics.
When to use 隹
This character is mostly used in written Chinese, particularly in literary contexts or descriptions of birds. Common mistakes include confusing it with other bird-related characters due to similar appearances, so it's important to remember its specific meaning. Avoid using it in informal speech.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 隹 with 鸟 (niǎo), which is a more general term for 'bird.' For example, saying '我看到一个隹' (I saw a zhuī) instead of '我看到一只鸟' (I saw a bird) would be incorrect usage.
Write 隹
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Word Family of 隹
Compound Meaning
What does 隹 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 隹
It means a short-tailed bird, commonly understood as a sparrow.
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