Meanings of 套
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About 套
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Podcast: 套
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AI Study Notes for 套
套 (tào) vs 组 (zǔ) — use 套 when referring to a cover or case, while 组 refers to a group or set without the implication of encasement.
Be mindful that 套 can refer to both physical covers and abstract concepts, which might lead to confusion. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts but may take on a more technical meaning in academic discussions. Watch out for tonal errors, as mispronouncing the tone can change the meaning.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 套 connects with other terms related to packaging and organization, such as 包 (bāo, to wrap) and 组 (zǔ, to group). Focus on understanding its various applications, especially in phrases like 套装 (tàozhuāng, outfit or set) and how it interacts with other characters.
Learners often confuse 套 with 包 (bāo) when referring to covers, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我买了一个包来套书' (I bought a bag to cover the book) should be corrected to '我买了一个套来包书' (I bought a cover to wrap the book).
Pronunciation of 套
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Jason Explains 套 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Etymology of 套
A cover has to be big (大) and long (镸) enough to wrap around what it is covering.
A man 大 wrapped in a long 镸 cloth
Origin
What kind of character is 套?
Decomposition of 套
Parts
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How to say cover in Chinese
“cover” in Chinese is套
The character 套 (tào) primarily refers to a cover or case that encases an object. It can also imply overlapping or interleaving, often used in contexts like sets or collections. This character is versatile, appearing in various contexts from physical items like envelopes to abstract concepts like methodologies or patterns.
When to use 套
Be mindful that 套 can refer to both physical covers and abstract concepts, which might lead to confusion. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts but may take on a more technical meaning in academic discussions. Watch out for tonal errors, as mispronouncing the tone can change the meaning.
套 or something close to it
套 (tào) vs 组 (zǔ) — use 套 when referring to a cover or case, while 组 refers to a group or set without the implication of encasement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 套 with 包 (bāo) when referring to covers, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我买了一个包来套书' (I bought a bag to cover the book) should be corrected to '我买了一个套来包书' (I bought a cover to wrap the book).
Write 套
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Practice writing 套 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 套
套 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 18 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
各个企业都有一____或高或低的质量监测管理标准。
Every enterprise has a set of quality monitoring standards, whether high or low.
Common Confusions with 套
Similar pronunciation but different meaning.
Which one
Which one means “cover”?
Usage Notes for 套
The character '套' can be used in various phrases to imply covering or encasing something.
这件衣服有外套。
This piece of clothing has an outer cover.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这件衣服有外____。
This piece of clothing has an outer cover.
Example Sentences for 套 (10)
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Word Family of 套
Words with 套
What does 外套 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 套
套 (tào) is often compared to words like 盖 (gài), which means 'to cover' as well, but 套 emphasizes encasing or overlapping. Understanding the subtle differences can enhance your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills.
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