Definition
吸 (xī) means 'to inhale, suck, or absorb' — the physical action of drawing something in (air, liquid, or moisture). 呼吸 (hū xī) is the full cycle of breathing in and out; 吸收 (xī shōu) is broader, meaning 'to absorb/assimilate' (nutrients, knowledge, members).
verb
to inhaleto breathe into suckto draw in (liquid)to absorb (liquid, energy, etc.)
Easily confused
- 极jílook-alikeextremely
- 洗xǐsound-aliketo wash
- 级jílook-alikelevel, grade, rank
- 西Xīsound-alikewest; the West
- 戏xìsound-alike(noun) drama; play; show (especially theatrical performance)
- 系xìsound-aliketo relate to; to involve; to connect
- 系xìsound-alike(formal/classical) to be; to relate to
- 细xìsound-alikethin, slender
- 席xísound-alikewoven mat (e.g., bamboo or straw mat)
- 溪xīsound-alikecreek; rivulet
Examples
- 吸。Tā xī le yì kǒu qì.He took a breath.
- 吸。Tā xī le yì kǒu yǐnliào.He took a sip of the drink.
- 吸。Bù xī le hěn duō shuǐ.The cloth absorbed a lot of water.
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