Meanings of 带
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About 带
Podcast: 带
Podcast: 带
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AI Study Notes for 带
携 (xié) - use 带 (dài) for informal or everyday contexts, while 携 (xié) is more formal or literary.
Learners often confuse 带 (dài) with other similar verbs like 带走 (dàizǒu - to take away) and 带来 (dàilái - to bring here). It’s important to use the correct context; for example, 带 is informal, while one might use 提 (tí) in more formal situations. Be mindful of the tone, as proper pronunciation is key to conveying the right meaning.
As an HSK Level 3 word, 带 is essential for expressing actions related to carrying and bringing. Students should focus on using it in sentences about daily activities, such as 'I bring my lunch' (我带午饭). Connecting 带 with other Level 3 words like 去 (qù - to go) or 来 (lái - to come) can help reinforce its usage.
Learners may incorrectly use 带 when they should use 带走 (dàizǒu) for 'take away'. For example, saying '我带走书' (Wǒ dài shū) instead of '我带走了书' (Wǒ dàizǒu le shū) can lead to confusion. Always use 带 for bringing or wearing, and 带走 for taking away.
Pronunciation of 带
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Etymology of 带
Simplified form of 帶. Pictograph of a belt clasp.
A belt, creasing one's robe above 卅 but not below 巾
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 带
Simplified form of 帶. Pictograph of a belt clasp.
- 1The giveawayA belt, creasing one's robe above 卅 but not below 巾
- 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 带? 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
What type of character formation is 带?
Decomposition of 带
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 带?
How to say band in Chinese
“band” in Chinese is带
The character 带 (dài) primarily means 'to bring' or 'to carry,' and can also refer to various types of bands or belts. It is commonly used in contexts such as taking someone along, wearing something like a belt, or leading someone. The word has a versatile usage, often seen in expressions related to transportation or accompaniment.
When to use 带
Learners often confuse 带 (dài) with other similar verbs like 带走 (dàizǒu - to take away) and 带来 (dàilái - to bring here). It’s important to use the correct context; for example, 带 is informal, while one might use 提 (tí) in more formal situations. Be mindful of the tone, as proper pronunciation is key to conveying the right meaning.
带 or something close to it
携 (xié) - use 带 (dài) for informal or everyday contexts, while 携 (xié) is more formal or literary.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 带 when they should use 带走 (dàizǒu) for 'take away'. For example, saying '我带走书' (Wǒ dài shū) instead of '我带走了书' (Wǒ dàizǒu le shū) can lead to confusion. Always use 带 for bringing or wearing, and 带走 for taking away.
Write 带
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Practice writing 带 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 带
带 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 17 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这是我带来的书。
This is the book I brought.
Complete the Sentence
这件礼物怎么给他？你给他____去吧。
How to give him this gift? Just take it to him.
Common Confusions with 带
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
带 refers to 'to bring' or 'to carry', while 带 (bèi) refers to 'belt' or 'band'.
他带了很多东西。
带 refers to 'to bring' or 'to carry', while 带 (bèi) refers to 'belt' or 'band'.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "band"?
Usage Notes for 带
Learners often confuse 带 (dài - to bring) with 带 (bèi - belt). Pay attention to context.
他带了一个包。
He brought a bag.
Fill in the Blank
他____了一个包。
He brought a bag.
Example Sentences for 带 (13)
Reorder the Sentence
She loaded me down with around a dozen cassettes.
Cultural Notes for 带
In daily life, the word '带' can also refer to carrying items, like bringing a friend along or carrying an umbrella, showing its versatility in the language.
Word Family of 带
Compound Meaning
What does 滞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 带
Some common phrases that include 带 (dài) are '带着' (dàizhe, meaning 'bringing along') and '带领' (dàilǐng, meaning 'to lead'). These phrases show how 带 can be used in different contexts to express carrying or leading.
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