to collect, to gather

JLPT N5 8 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (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

  • 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, 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 with in other contexts such as "coloring" (), where it implies applying or using colors.

Register and Tone

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.

Example Sentences

She likes to go to the mountain to pick mushrooms.

The company is collecting user feedback.

This painting uses bright colors.