(chóu) - To pledge a toast & to reward

Tone 2

chóu | 21 strokes | radical:

· chóu

To pledge a toast;

to reward;

to repay;

to respond in kind;

to correspond with.

To pledge a toastto rewardto repay

Usage highlights

To pledge a toastTo correspond in poetryTo reward with moneyTo repay a kindnessTo respond in kindTo offer a return toast

Synonyms

  • to reward; to repay (more common simplified form)
  • to return a toast
  • to repay; to require

Antonyms

  • to owe; to be in debt
  • to take; to receive

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They raised their glasses to toast (举杯相醻).
  • The host offered a return toast to the guests (主人向宾客醻酒).
  • This is a fitting reward for your efforts (这是对你努力的醻报).
  • Their poems respond to each other (他们的诗篇互相醻和).

Collocations

  • To pledge a toast(醻酒)
  • To correspond in poetry(诗醻)
  • To reward with money(醻金)
  • To repay a kindness(醻恩)
  • To respond in kind(醻答)
  • To offer a return toast(回醻)

Idioms

  • Singing in response to each other(一唱一醻)
  • Mutual toasting and enjoyment(献醻交错)
  • Responding with poems(诗词唱醻)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the ritual of toasting in return during ancient Chinese banquets and ceremonies.
  • In literary contexts, it describes the exchange of poems or writings between scholars and friends.
  • The character contains the 'wine' radical (酉), indicating its connection to drinking customs.

FAQ