操 (cāo) — to drill; to exercise; to operate; to handle; to speak (a language); to conduct
Definition
操 (cāo) is a formal-written verb covering 'operate, handle, conduct' — usually seen in set phrases like 操作, 操之过急, or 操一口流利外语. Distinguish from the vulgar 肏 (cào) in tone: this verb is neutral/literary.
verb
to drillto exerciseto operateto handleto speak (a language)to conduct
Examples
- 操。Tā cāo yì kǒu biāo zhǔn pǔ tōng huà.He speaks standard Mandarin.
- ，。Zhè jiàn shì bú yào cāo zhī guò jí, màn màn lái.Don't act too hastily on this matter; take it slow.
- 。Tā zài xué xí rú hé cāo zuò xīn jī qì.He is learning how to operate the new machine.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
Sound part声符shēngfú
喿
喿zào操cāo
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
The left part 手 shows a hand, indicating an action done by hand. The right part 喿 gives the sound.
Appears in
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