套 (tào) - set, suite, collection & to cover, to encase

套Tone 4

tào ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

套 · tào

set, suite, collection;

to cover, to encase;

to overlap;

to interlock;

a trick, a trap

set, suite, collectionto cover, to encaseto overlap

Usage highlights

set ofsofa coverpillowcasetrap, schemeroutine, conventionformula

Synonyms

  • 组— group, set
  • 集— collection
  • 罩— cover, shade

Antonyms

  • 散— scattered, loose
  • 单— single, individual

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I bought a new sofa set (沙发套).
  • Put a cover on the pillow (枕头套).
  • He fell for their trap (中了他们的圈套).
  • This is a set of books (一套书).
  • We need to apply a protective coating (套上一层保护膜).

Collocations

  • set of(一套)
  • sofa cover(沙发套)
  • pillowcase(枕头套)
  • trap, scheme(圈套)
  • routine, convention(套话)
  • formula(套公式)

Idioms

  • To fall into a trap(落入圈套)
  • Set phrases, conventional remarks(套话连篇)
  • To copy mechanically(生搬硬套)
  • To pull over something(套上一件衣服)
  • To try to find out information(套他的话)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a large garment covering the body, extending to mean covers and cases.
  • In modern usage, often refers to pre-packaged sets or conventional patterns.
  • Can carry negative connotations when referring to rigid formulas or deceptive traps.

FAQ