Meanings of 来信
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About 来信
Podcast: 来信
Podcast: 来信
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AI Study Notes for 来信
来信 (incoming letter) vs 信件 (letter, document) — use 来信 when emphasizing the act of receiving, while 信件 refers more generally to any letter or document.
Be mindful of using 来信 in formal contexts, such as business correspondence. A common mistake is to use it in informal settings, where one might simply say '信' (letter) instead. Remember that 来信 emphasizes that the letter is coming to you.
While 来信 is not a specific HSK word, it connects to basic vocabulary related to communication and mail. Focus on the individual components 来 (come) and 信 (letter), as they are useful for forming other phrases related to correspondence.
Learners often confuse 来信 with sending a letter, mistakenly thinking it means 'to send a letter'. The correct usage is to indicate that a letter has arrived, not that one is being sent.
Pronunciation of 来信
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Component Characters
How to say incoming letter in Chinese
“incoming letter” in Chinese is来信
来信 (lái xìn) refers to an incoming letter or mail that is received. It is commonly used in contexts such as formal communication, personal correspondence, or when indicating that someone has sent a letter to a specific address.
When to use 来信
Be mindful of using 来信 in formal contexts, such as business correspondence. A common mistake is to use it in informal settings, where one might simply say '信' (letter) instead. Remember that 来信 emphasizes that the letter is coming to you.
来信 or something close to it
来信 (incoming letter) vs 信件 (letter, document) — use 来信 when emphasizing the act of receiving, while 信件 refers more generally to any letter or document.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 来信 with sending a letter, mistakenly thinking it means 'to send a letter'. The correct usage is to indicate that a letter has arrived, not that one is being sent.
Write 来信
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Practice writing 来信 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Common Confusions with 来信
Different meanings related to trust and correspondence.
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "incoming letter"?
Cultural Notes for 来信
In traditional Chinese culture, letters were often handwritten and delivered by a courier, which made receiving a '来信' a significant event. It was a way to maintain relationships across distances.
There's a Chinese saying: '千里之行，始于足下', meaning 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' This can relate to sending your first '来信' to someone far away.
Frequently Asked Questions about 来信
来信 is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as in letters, emails, or announcements. In casual conversation, people may simply refer to letters or messages without using the term 来信.
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