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March 24, 2026
收藏shōucáng(shou1cang2)
收藏 (shōucáng) means to collect or hoard items, often with a focus on preserving their value or significance. This term is commonly used in contexts relating to hobbies, art, or digital content, like bookmarks on the internet. It implies an appreciation for the items collected, whether they are physical objects or digital resources.
Strokes23Frequency#4377DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,收藏 is closely linked to traditional practices like collecting antiques or calligraphy, which are seen as ways to preserve cultural heritage. Collecting is often associated with status and knowledge, making it a respected pursuit.
Memory Tip
Imagine a collector with a 'shoebox' full of treasures, each representing a unique experience. The 'shou' sounds like 'shoe', which can hold valuable items (cang) inside, helping you remember to collect and cherish each one.
Meanings of 收藏
shōucáng(shou1cang2)
1to hoard
2to collect
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About 收藏
收藏Simplified
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4377Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 收藏
Podcast: 收藏
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AI Study Notes for 收藏
Quick Contrast
珍藏 (zhēncáng) - use 收藏 (shōucáng) for general collection, while 珍藏 (zhēncáng) implies a more valuable or cherished collection.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 收藏 with the more general verb 收 (shōu), which means 'to receive' or 'to gather'. 收藏 is more specific and often used in formal contexts, such as art exhibitions or academic discussions. Common collocations include 收藏品 (shōucáng pǐn - collection items) and 收藏夹 (shōucáng jiá - bookmark).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 收藏 connects with many other advanced vocabulary related to appreciation and curation, such as 艺术 (yìshù - art) and 文化 (wénhuà - culture). Students at this level should focus on nuances in context and usage across different scenarios.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 收藏 with 收集, using them interchangeably in contexts where 收藏 is more appropriate, as in '我喜欢收藏邮票' (I like to collect stamps), which should be used instead of '我喜欢收集邮票'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 收藏
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收藏 (shōucáng) means to collect or hoard items, often with a focus on preserving their value or significance. This term is commonly used in contexts relating to hobbies, art, or digital content, like bookmarks on the internet. It implies an appreciation for the items collected, whether they are physical objects or digital resources.
When to use 收藏
Be careful not to confuse 收藏 with the more general verb 收 (shōu), which means 'to receive' or 'to gather'. 收藏 is more specific and often used in formal contexts, such as art exhibitions or academic discussions. Common collocations include 收藏品 (shōucáng pǐn - collection items) and 收藏夹 (shōucáng jiá - bookmark).
收藏 or something close to it
珍藏 (zhēncáng) - use 收藏 (shōucáng) for general collection, while 珍藏 (zhēncáng) implies a more valuable or cherished collection.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 收藏 with 收集, using them interchangeably in contexts where 收藏 is more appropriate, as in '我喜欢收藏邮票' (I like to collect stamps), which should be used instead of '我喜欢收集邮票'.
Write 收藏
收
藏
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Grammar Patterns of 收藏
收藏 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 4 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.
First Dongyu Art Museum Collection Show, Shenyang Dongyu Art Museum.
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Cultural Notes for 收藏
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While in Western cultures, collecting may often be seen as a hobby or pastime, in Chinese culture, it can also reflect one's social status and appreciation of history.
Frequently Asked Questions about 收藏
收藏 (shōucáng) implies a more curated collection often with value, while 收集 (shōují) simply means to gather or collect items, regardless of their significance.
Yes, 收藏 is commonly used to refer to bookmarking websites or saving digital items.
Yes, 收藏 is often used in formal discussions about art, culture, and collections.
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