Meanings of 差
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About 差
Podcast: 差
Podcast: 差
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AI Study Notes for 差
差 (chà) vs 错 (cuò) — use 差 to indicate a difference or shortfall, while 错 specifically refers to a mistake.
Learners often confuse 差 with similar-sounding words, particularly in tone. It is typically used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include '差别' (chābié, difference) and '差劲' (chājìn, inferior).
As an HSK 3 word, 差 connects well with other words that express comparison and measurement, such as 好 (hǎo, good) and 多 (duō, many). Focus on practicing it in sentences that compare qualities or quantities.
Learners often incorrectly use 差 as a direct synonym for 'bad,' whereas it conveys a more nuanced meaning of difference or shortfall. For instance, saying '这个地方差' (zhège dìfāng chā) to mean 'This place is bad' is incorrect; it's better to say '这个地方不好' (zhège dìfāng bù hǎo).
Pronunciation of 差
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Etymology of 差
Depicts grain (麥) being rolled between the fingers in the left hand (左). Based on the original meaning "rub between fingers", now written as 搓. The meaning later shifted to "uneven" and "error".
Work 工 done by a sheep 羊; incompetence
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 差
Depicts grain (麥) being rolled between the fingers in the left hand (左). Based on the original meaning "rub between fingers", now written as 搓. The meaning later shifted to "uneven" and "error".
- 1The giveawayWork 工 done by a sheep 羊; incompetence
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 差? 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 差
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How to say difference in Chinese
“difference” in Chinese is差
The character 差 (chā) primarily means 'difference' or 'discrepancy.' It is commonly used to express a gap or shortfall, such as when comparing two quantities or qualities. Additionally, it can refer to making a mistake or being inferior in quality.
When to use 差
Learners often confuse 差 with similar-sounding words, particularly in tone. It is typically used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations include '差别' (chābié, difference) and '差劲' (chājìn, inferior).
差 or something close to it
差 (chà) vs 错 (cuò) — use 差 to indicate a difference or shortfall, while 错 specifically refers to a mistake.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 差 as a direct synonym for 'bad,' whereas it conveys a more nuanced meaning of difference or shortfall. For instance, saying '这个地方差' (zhège dìfāng chā) to mean 'This place is bad' is incorrect; it's better to say '这个地方不好' (zhège dìfāng bù hǎo).
Write 差
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Practice writing 差 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 差
差 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 16 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.
Complete the Sentence
饭____不多好了。
The food is almost ready.
Example Sentences for 差 (10)
Word Family of 差
Compound Meaning
What does 搓 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 差
In business, 差 often refers to discrepancies in reports or performance, indicating areas that need attention.
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