verb HSK 4
to copy · to plagiarize · to take a shortcut · to search and confiscate
Meaning
抄 primarily means to copy or transcribe text by hand. It's commonly used for copying homework, notes, or writing. In modern usage, it can refer to plagiarism or imitation. The character also has secondary meanings like taking a shortcut or conducting a search (usually by authorities).
Usage
In student contexts, 抄 often refers to copying homework or cheating. Native speakers use 抄近路 for taking shortcuts. The plagiarism sense (抄袭) is very common in academic and creative contexts. In law enforcement, 抄家 historically meant raiding a household.
Examples
- 01老师发现他抄别人的作业。.The teacher discovered he copied someone else's homework.
- 02我们可以从这里抄近路过去。.We can take a shortcut from here.
Measure words
- 遍抄一遍
- 次抄了三次
Common collocations
- 抄作业to copy homework
- 抄近路to take a shortcut
- 抄袭to plagiarize
- 抄写to copy out by hand
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines the hand radical 扌(hand) with 少 (few/small), originally suggesting the action of taking or copying small amounts with the hand.