Meanings of 着凉
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Podcast: 着凉
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AI Study Notes for 着凉
感冒 (gǎnmào) - use 着凉 (zháoliáng) specifically for colds caused by cold exposure, while 感冒 refers more generally to catching a cold regardless of cause.
Common mistakes include confusing 着凉 with other terms for being sick, such as 生病 (shēngbìng), which is more general. It is usually used in informal contexts among friends and family. Be aware of the tonal difference in pronunciation in Taiwan.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 着凉 connects well with other health-related vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its usage in conversational contexts, particularly in discussing symptoms or remedies.
Learners often mix up 着凉 with 感冒 (gǎnmào), which means 'flu' or 'cold' in a broader sense. An incorrect usage would be saying '我着凉了感冒' (wǒ zháo liáng le gǎnmào), which mixes the terms; instead, simply say '我着凉了' (wǒ zháo liáng le) to indicate catching a cold.
Pronunciation of 着凉
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Component Characters
How to say to catch cold in Chinese
“to catch cold” in Chinese is着凉
着凉 (zhao2 liang2) means to catch a cold, typically from exposure to cold weather or drafts. It is used in contexts where someone becomes ill due to sudden changes in temperature, often implying a lack of appropriate clothing or shelter. In Taiwan, it is pronounced as zhao1 liang2, but the meaning remains the same.
When to use 着凉
Common mistakes include confusing 着凉 with other terms for being sick, such as 生病 (shēngbìng), which is more general. It is usually used in informal contexts among friends and family. Be aware of the tonal difference in pronunciation in Taiwan.
着凉 or something close to it
感冒 (gǎnmào) - use 着凉 (zháoliáng) specifically for colds caused by cold exposure, while 感冒 refers more generally to catching a cold regardless of cause.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 着凉 with 感冒 (gǎnmào), which means 'flu' or 'cold' in a broader sense. An incorrect usage would be saying '我着凉了感冒' (wǒ zháo liáng le gǎnmào), which mixes the terms; instead, simply say '我着凉了' (wǒ zháo liáng le) to indicate catching a cold.
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Grammar Patterns of 着凉
着凉 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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.
外面有点冷, 当心____.
It's chilly outside; be careful not to catch cold.
Example Sentences for 着凉 (2)
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Cultural Notes for 着凉
In Western cultures, catching a cold is often seen as a common occurrence without much emphasis on temperature-related causes, while in Chinese culture, the concept of 'catching a chill' is taken more seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions about 着凉
No, 着凉 specifically refers to catching a cold due to cold exposure, not other types of illness.
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