noun HSK 4
Traditional 壺
pot · kettle · teapot
Meaning
壶 refers to a container with a handle and spout used for holding and pouring liquids, most commonly tea or water. It is one of the most essential items in Chinese tea culture and everyday life. The character originally depicted a vessel for holding wine or water in ancient China.
Usage
壶 is primarily used for teapots and kettles in modern Chinese. It is commonly paired with measure words when counting (一把壶). In tea culture contexts, it specifically refers to teapots (茶壶). Native speakers use it for both traditional clay teapots and modern electric kettles.
Examples
- 01请帮我烧一壶水。.Please help me boil a kettle of water.
- 02这个紫砂壶是我爷爷留下来的。.This purple clay teapot was left to me by my grandfather.
Measure words
- 把一把壶
- 个一个茶壶
Common collocations
- 烧水壶water boiling kettle
- 电热水壶electric kettle
- 紫砂壶purple clay teapot (Yixing teapot)
- 提壶to carry/lift a kettle
Origin
The traditional form 壺 is a pictograph depicting a vessel with a lid. The character has been used since ancient times to represent containers for liquids, particularly wine and water.