泡 (pào) - bubble & foam

泡Tone 4

pào ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 氵

柠七

泡 · pào

bubble;

foam;

blister;

to soak;

to steep;

to dawdle;

to idle

bubblefoamblister

Usage highlights

bubblesoy saucesoakblisteridle away timebubble bath

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 实— solid; real (antonym to bubble's insubstantial nature)
  • 干— dry (antonym to soaking)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The children are blowing bubbles (吹泡泡).
  • Soak the beans in water (泡豆子).
  • He spent the whole day idling in the cafe (泡咖啡馆).
  • There are blisters on my feet (脚上起泡了).

Collocations

  • bubble(泡泡)
  • soy sauce(酱油泡)
  • soak(浸泡)
  • blister(水泡)
  • idle away time(泡时间)
  • bubble bath(泡泡浴)

Idioms

  • Like a dream or bubble(如梦如泡)
  • Bubbles and shadows(泡影)
  • Castles in the air(空中泡影)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Buddhist context, '泡' symbolizes the transient nature of existence, like bubbles that form and vanish quickly.
  • Used metaphorically for things that are fleeting, illusory, or insubstantial.
  • In modern slang, '泡' can mean to spend time leisurely, often in entertainment venues.

FAQ