noun HSK 3
spoon · ladle · scoop
Meaning
勺 refers to a spoon or any spoon-like utensil used for scooping or serving. It can range from small eating spoons to large ladles used in cooking. The character itself depicts a utensil with a handle and a bowl-shaped end.
Usage
勺 is commonly used in kitchen and dining contexts. It often appears in compound words like 勺子 (sháozi, spoon) or 汤勺 (tāngsháo, soup spoon). When counting spoons, use the measure word 把 or 个.
Examples
- 01请给我一个勺子。.Please give me a spoon.
- 02她用勺舀了一勺汤。.She used a ladle to scoop a spoonful of soup.
Measure words
- 把一把勺子
- 个一个勺
Common collocations
- 一勺糖a spoonful of sugar
- 木勺wooden spoon
- 铁勺iron ladle
Origin
The character 勺 is a pictograph originally depicting a ladle or spoon with a handle. The ancient form showed a vessel with liquid being scooped out.