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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to pick" with 采 (cǎi)

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Subject + 采 + Object (flowers/plants)

    Explanation

    采 (cǎi) means "to pick" or "to gather," typically referring to harvesting flowers, herbs, fruits, or other plants by hand. It evokes a natural, often pastoral image and is common in both everyday and literary Chinese. It differs from 摘 in that it often implies a gentler gathering action.

    Examples

    • 周末我们一起去山上采蘑菇吧。

      Zhōumò wǒmen yīqǐ qù shān shàng cǎi mógū ba.

      Let's go pick mushrooms on the mountain this weekend.

    • 她在花园里采了一束鲜花送给妈妈。

      Tā zài huāyuán lǐ cǎi le yī shù xiānhuā sòng gěi māma.

      She picked a bouquet of fresh flowers in the garden for her mother.

    • 村民们每天早上去茶园采茶。

      Cūnmín men měitiān zǎoshang qù cháyuán cǎi chá.

      The villagers go to the tea garden to pick tea every morning.

    Expressing "to pick" with 采 (cǎi) | Chinese Grammar