Meanings of 挖掘
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Podcast: 挖掘
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AI Study Notes for 挖掘
挖 (wā, dig) vs 开 (kāi, open) — use 挖掘 for deeper excavation or discovery, while 开 is for opening something without the connotation of digging.
Be careful not to confuse 挖掘 with similar verbs like 挖 (wā) which simply means 'to dig' without the nuance of discovering. While 挖掘 is often used in more formal contexts, it is also commonly used in everyday language, especially in discussions about research or personal development.
As a HSK Level 6 word, 挖掘 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to exploration and discovery. Focus on using it in both literal contexts (like archaeology) and abstract contexts (like ideas or insights) to fully grasp its versatility.
Learners often confuse 挖掘 with the simpler verb 挖 (wā), which lacks the connotation of discovery. For example, saying '我想挖一条河' (Wǒ xiǎng wā yītiáo hé) instead of '我想挖掘一个想法' (Wǒ xiǎng wājué yīgè xiǎngfǎ) misses the nuance of the word.
Pronunciation of 挖掘
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Jason Explains 挖掘 to You
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Component Characters
How to say to excavate in Chinese
“to excavate” in Chinese is挖掘
The verb 挖掘 (wājué) means to excavate or dig, often in the context of unearthing something valuable, whether it be physically, like minerals or archaeological artifacts, or metaphorically, such as ideas or emotions. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in conversations about discovery and exploration.
When to use 挖掘
Be careful not to confuse 挖掘 with similar verbs like 挖 (wā) which simply means 'to dig' without the nuance of discovering. While 挖掘 is often used in more formal contexts, it is also commonly used in everyday language, especially in discussions about research or personal development.
挖掘 or something close to it
挖 (wā, dig) vs 开 (kāi, open) — use 挖掘 for deeper excavation or discovery, while 开 is for opening something without the connotation of digging.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 挖掘 with the simpler verb 挖 (wā), which lacks the connotation of discovery. For example, saying '我想挖一条河' (Wǒ xiǎng wā yītiáo hé) instead of '我想挖掘一个想法' (Wǒ xiǎng wājué yīgè xiǎngfǎ) misses the nuance of the word.
Write 挖掘
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Practice writing 挖掘 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 挖掘
挖掘 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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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____工作已显示在该地区有罗马和盎格鲁-撒克逊时代的遗迹。
Ex-cavations have revealed Roman and Anglo-Saxon remains in the area.
Example Sentences for 挖掘 (8)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 挖掘
No, 挖掘 can also be used metaphorically to refer to digging into ideas or emotions.
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