Meanings of 仔细
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Podcast: 仔细
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AI Study Notes for 仔细
细心 (xìxīn): Use 仔细 (zǐxì) when emphasizing carefulness in a broader context, while 细心 (xìxīn) focuses more on a gentle attentiveness.
Common mistakes include using 仔细 in overly casual contexts, where simpler words like 小心 (xiǎoxīn) might suffice. It is more formal, so it's often used in professional or academic settings. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 仔细 connects to other vocabulary related to carefulness and attention, such as 留心 (liúxīn) and 小心 (xiǎoxīn). Students should focus on using it in sentences that highlight attention to detail.
Learners often confuse 仔细 with 小心 (xiǎoxīn), thinking they are interchangeable; however, 小心 is more about being cautious in risky situations, whereas 仔细 emphasizes attention to detail. For example, saying '我会仔细走' (wǒ huì zǐxì zǒu - I will walk carefully) is incorrect; it should be '我会小心走' (wǒ huì xiǎoxīn zǒu).
Pronunciation of 仔细
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Component Characters
How to say careful in Chinese
“careful” in Chinese is仔细
The word 仔细 (zǐxì) describes a state of being careful, attentive, or cautious. It is often used to emphasize the importance of paying close attention to detail in various contexts, such as work, study, or daily tasks, where precision is crucial.
When to use 仔细
Common mistakes include using 仔细 in overly casual contexts, where simpler words like 小心 (xiǎoxīn) might suffice. It is more formal, so it's often used in professional or academic settings. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
仔细 or something close to it
细心 (xìxīn): Use 仔细 (zǐxì) when emphasizing carefulness in a broader context, while 细心 (xìxīn) focuses more on a gentle attentiveness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 仔细 with 小心 (xiǎoxīn), thinking they are interchangeable; however, 小心 is more about being cautious in risky situations, whereas 仔细 emphasizes attention to detail. For example, saying '我会仔细走' (wǒ huì zǐxì zǒu - I will walk carefully) is incorrect; it should be '我会小心走' (wǒ huì xiǎoxīn zǒu).
Write 仔细
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Grammar Patterns of 仔细
仔细 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 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.
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除非你____检查，不然太容易出错了。
Unless you check carefully, it is too easy to make mistakes.
Example Sentences for 仔细 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 仔细
It's better suited for formal contexts, so consider using simpler terms like 小心 in casual settings.
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