Meanings of 种
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About 种
Podcast: 种
Podcast: 种
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AI Study Notes for 种
种 (zhǒng) vs 类 (lèi) — use 种 when referring specifically to species or types, while 类 is broader and refers to categories or classes.
Learners often confuse 种 with other similar characters, such as 样 (yàng, which means 'type' or 'pattern'). It's important to remember that 种 specifically pertains to species and cultivation. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced zhǒng with a third tone, which is often mistakenly pronounced as zhong (second tone).
As an HSK Level 3 word, 种 connects with other vocabulary related to nature and classification, such as 植物 (zhíwù, 'plant') and 物种 (wùzhǒng, 'species'). Focus on using 种 in sentences describing various species or types, as it will enhance your understanding of classification in Mandarin.
A common mistake is using 种 incorrectly in contexts that refer to specific attributes rather than types; for example, saying '一种好的书' (yī zhǒng hǎo de shū) instead of '一本好的书' (yī běn hǎo de shū) for 'a good book.' Focus on its proper usage as a classifier for types.
Pronunciation of 种
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Etymology of 种
Phonosemantic compound. 禾 represents the meaning and 中 represents the sound. Simplified form of 種.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 种
Phonosemantic compound. 禾 represents the meaning and 中 represents the sound. Simplified form of 種.
- 1The meaning half禾 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half中 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaygrain
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 种? 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 种?
Decomposition of 种
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 种?
How to say seed in Chinese
“seed” in Chinese is种
The character 种 (zhǒng) primarily means 'seed' or 'species,' but it is also used to refer to types or kinds of things. It is commonly used in contexts related to agriculture, biology, or classification, such as discussing different types of plants or animals. Additionally, it can function as a verb meaning 'to plant' or 'to cultivate.'
When to use 种
Learners often confuse 种 with other similar characters, such as 样 (yàng, which means 'type' or 'pattern'). It's important to remember that 种 specifically pertains to species and cultivation. Additionally, be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced zhǒng with a third tone, which is often mistakenly pronounced as zhong (second tone).
种 or something close to it
种 (zhǒng) vs 类 (lèi) — use 种 when referring specifically to species or types, while 类 is broader and refers to categories or classes.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is using 种 incorrectly in contexts that refer to specific attributes rather than types; for example, saying '一种好的书' (yī zhǒng hǎo de shū) instead of '一本好的书' (yī běn hǎo de shū) for 'a good book.' Focus on its proper usage as a classifier for types.
Write 种
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Practice writing 种 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 种
种 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 10 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
这儿有各____颜色的花。
There are flowers of all kinds of colors here.
Common Confusions with 种
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "seed"?
Usage Notes for 种
种 is often used to classify different kinds or types of things.
这是一种新的技术。
This is a new kind of technology.
The character 种 has two pronunciations (zhǒng for 'kind' and zhòng for 'to plant'). Ensure you use the right tone depending on the context.
我想种花。
I want to plant flowers.
Fill in the Blank
这是一____新的技术。
This is a new kind of technology.
Example Sentences for 种 (19)
Cultural Notes for 种
In Chinese culture, planting seeds is often associated with growth and prosperity. The act of planting is symbolic of new beginnings and the hope for a fruitful harvest, both literally and metaphorically.
Word Family of 种
Compound Meaning
What does 种 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 种
种 (zhǒng) and 类 (lèi) both refer to types or kinds, but they are used in slightly different ways. 种 is often used for specific items or species, while 类 can refer to broader categories or classes of things. For example, 种 might be used for types of fruits, while 类 could be used for different genres of music.
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