Core Meaning
The character 栽 primarily means "to plant" or "to cultivate," often used in contexts involving agriculture or gardening. It refers to the act of putting plants or trees into the ground and nurturing them.
Extended Uses
Besides literal planting, 栽 can also be used metaphorically to describe cultivating talents or skills, especially in professional or educational settings.
Common Collocations
- 栽树 (zāi shù): to plant trees
- 栽培人才 (zāipéi réncái): to cultivate talents
- 栽跟头 (zāi gēntóu): to fall down or suffer a setback (colloquial)
Usage Notes
When 栽 is used in the phrase 栽跟头, it shifts from the literal meaning of planting to a colloquial expression meaning "to fall" or "to fail." This is a common idiomatic use and should not be confused with the agricultural sense.
栽 is more formal and literary than the common verb 种 (zhòng) for "to plant," so it often appears in written or formal contexts. Avoid using 栽 casually when talking about everyday planting unless emphasizing cultivation or literary style.