Meaning and Usage
The character 采 (cǎi) primarily means "to pick," "to gather," or "to collect." It is commonly used when talking about picking fruits, flowers, mushrooms, or collecting data and feedback. Additionally, it can mean "to adopt" or "to use" in contexts like colors or methods.
Common Collocations
- 采蘑菇 (cǎi mógū): to pick mushrooms, a common phrase for gathering wild food.
- 采集数据 (cǎijí shùjù): to collect data, often used in scientific or business contexts.
- 采纳建议 (cǎinà jiànyì): to adopt suggestions, showing acceptance or use of ideas.
Usage Notes
When used in the sense of gathering or picking, 采 is often followed by the object being collected. In more abstract uses like "采纳," it forms part of compound verbs meaning to adopt or accept. It is important not to confuse 采 with 采 in other contexts such as "coloring" (采色), where it implies applying or using colors.
Register and Tone
采 is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in written Chinese, especially in descriptions of natural activities or data collection.