Meaning and Usage
The character 泡 primarily means 'bubble' or 'blister' and can also function as a verb meaning 'to soak' or 'to steep' in a liquid. It is commonly used in contexts involving liquids, such as soaking clothes, steeping tea, or describing blisters on the skin.
Common Collocations
- 泡茶 (pào chá): to brew or steep tea
- 泡澡 (pào zǎo): to soak in a bath
- 起泡 (qǐ pào): to form bubbles or foam
- 泡脚 (pào jiǎo): to soak feet
Usage Notes
When 泡 is used as a verb, it often implies immersing something in liquid for a period to achieve a desired effect, such as cleaning or extracting flavor. As a noun, it refers to bubbles or blisters, often visible on surfaces or skin. Avoid confusing 泡 with 浸 (jìn), which also means 'to soak' but is more formal and less about the bubbling effect.
Register and Tone
泡 is neutral in tone and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. It appears frequently in everyday contexts related to food, hygiene, and health.