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March 24, 2026
勺子sháozi(shao2zi5)
勺子 (sháozi) refers to a scoop or ladle, a common kitchen utensil used for serving liquids or semi-liquid foods. It is often used in both cooking and dining contexts, highlighting its versatility in food preparation and consumption.
Strokes6Frequency#8887DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese dining culture, the use of a 勺子 is essential as many dishes are served in a communal style, requiring diners to scoop from shared bowls. Understanding this utensil helps appreciate the communal aspect of Chinese meals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant spoon (勺) lifting a big bowl of soup. The character 勺 looks like a spoon, and the pronunciation 'shao' sounds like 'shovel' — both involve scooping! Picture scooping up delicious food to remember the meaning.
Meanings of 勺子
sháozi(shao2zi5)
1scoop
2ladle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 勺子
勺子Simplified
6Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8887Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L3HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 勺子
Podcast: 勺子
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AI Study Notes for 勺子
Quick Contrast
汤匙 (tāngchí) - use 勺子 (sháozi) for general scooping, while 汤匙 (tāngchí) specifically refers to a spoon for soup.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 勺子 with other utensils like 叉子 (fork) or 刀 (knife). Remember that 勺子 is specifically for scooping. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but ensure to use the correct measure word '把' when mentioning quantities, e.g., 一把勺子 (one scoop).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 勺子 connects to other kitchen and dining vocabulary. Focus on its usage in context with other food-related words, such as 碗 (bowl) and 盘子 (plate). Practicing sentences about cooking will reinforce learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners might say '我用刀子吃饭' (I eat with a knife) instead of using 勺子 for soup. Correctly saying '我用勺子吃汤' (I eat soup with a spoon) avoids confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勺子
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勺子 (sháozi) refers to a scoop or ladle, a common kitchen utensil used for serving liquids or semi-liquid foods. It is often used in both cooking and dining contexts, highlighting its versatility in food preparation and consumption.
When to use 勺子
Learners often confuse 勺子 with other utensils like 叉子 (fork) or 刀 (knife). Remember that 勺子 is specifically for scooping. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but ensure to use the correct measure word '把' when mentioning quantities, e.g., 一把勺子 (one scoop).
勺子 or something close to it
汤匙 (tāngchí) - use 勺子 (sháozi) for general scooping, while 汤匙 (tāngchí) specifically refers to a spoon for soup.
What learners get wrong
Learners might say '我用刀子吃饭' (I eat with a knife) instead of using 勺子 for soup. Correctly saying '我用勺子吃汤' (I eat soup with a spoon) avoids confusion.
Write 勺子
勺
子
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Grammar Patterns of 勺子
勺子 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他用____把冰激凌舀进杯子，喂给她吃。
He spooned the ice cream into a cup and fed it to her.
