Meanings of 朝
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About 朝
Podcast: 朝
Podcast: 朝
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AI Study Notes for 朝
朝 (cháo) vs 早 (zǎo) — use 朝 for 'morning' in a more formal or literary context, while 早 is more casual.
Learners often confuse 朝 with other words for 'morning' like 早 (zǎo). While 朝 can refer to time, it is more formal and frequently used in historical contexts, such as in discussions about dynasties. Be mindful of the tonal pronunciation: cháo (rising tone) vs. zǎo (falling tone).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 朝 connects with other vocabulary related to time and governance, such as 早 (early) and 宫廷 (court). Students should focus on differentiating its meanings in various contexts, especially when discussing historical events.
Learners often mistakenly use 朝 in casual contexts where 早 (zǎo) would be more appropriate, such as saying '我早起了' (Wǒ zǎo qǐ le) instead of '我朝起了' (Wǒ cháo qǐ le). Remember, 朝 has a more formal connotation.
Pronunciation of 朝
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Etymology of 朝
Depicts the early part of morning when the sun (日) can still be seen on the horizon between blades of grass (屮), and the moon (月) is still in the sky.
moon
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 朝
Depicts the early part of morning when the sun (日) can still be seen on the horizon between blades of grass (屮), and the moon (月) is still in the sky.
- 1The meaning half月 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half龺 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaymoon
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 朝? 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 朝?
Decomposition of 朝
Identify the Components
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How to say morning in Chinese
“morning” in Chinese is朝
The character 朝 (cháo) primarily refers to 'morning' in a temporal context but also denotes concepts related to a dynasty or imperial court. Commonly used in phrases concerning time, governance, or direction, it encapsulates both everyday and historical significance in Chinese culture.
When to use 朝
Learners often confuse 朝 with other words for 'morning' like 早 (zǎo). While 朝 can refer to time, it is more formal and frequently used in historical contexts, such as in discussions about dynasties. Be mindful of the tonal pronunciation: cháo (rising tone) vs. zǎo (falling tone).
朝 or something close to it
朝 (cháo) vs 早 (zǎo) — use 朝 for 'morning' in a more formal or literary context, while 早 is more casual.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 朝 in casual contexts where 早 (zǎo) would be more appropriate, such as saying '我早起了' (Wǒ zǎo qǐ le) instead of '我朝起了' (Wǒ cháo qǐ le). Remember, 朝 has a more formal connotation.
Write 朝
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Practice writing 朝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 朝
朝 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 13 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
大门____南开。
The main gate faces south.
Common Confusions with 朝
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "morning"?
Example Sentences for 朝 (10)
Cultural Notes for 朝
'朝鲜' (Cháo xiǎn) refers to Korea, specifically the northern part known as North Korea. The term '朝' in this context highlights the historical dynasties that ruled the region.
Word Family of 朝
Compound Meaning
What does 潮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 朝
朝 is significant in Chinese history as it refers to different dynasties, which were periods marked by specific ruling families and political structures. Each 朝 (dynasty) played a crucial role in shaping Chinese culture, governance, and society. Examples include the Tang朝 (Táng cháo) and Ming朝 (Míng cháo), each known for their distinctive contributions.
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