点

點
diǎn
HSK 1
#128 most
frequent character
drop (of liquid), stain, spot
noun
verb
Measure Word

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

点 uses 占 zhàn for sound and 灬 as an empty part; 灬 here is not fire. Its first sense was 'dots', which grew to 'a brush dot', 'point', 'a little', and 'a drop'. 'To start a fire' was borrowed for its sound.

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Example Sentences

我只需要一点水。
wǒ zhīxūyào yīdiǎn shuǐ 。
I only need a little water.
这句话有一点难。
zhè jù huà yǒu yīdiǎn nán 。
This sentence is a bit difficult.
她的衣服上有一个咖啡点。
tāde yīfú shàngyǒu yígè kāfēi diǎn 。
There is a coffee spot on her clothes.

Grammar Points

HSK 1
Structure of times (advanced)
HSK 1
Structure of times (basic)
HSK 3
Comparing "youdian" and "yidian"
HSK 4
Expressing "not at all" with "yidianr ye bu"

Words with similar meanings

滴dī
drip
More commonly used to refer specifically to drops of liquid.
小点xiǎodiǎn
small bit
Refers to a small quantity or piece but more informal.

Homophones

典diǎn
canon, law, standard work of scholarship

Words Starting With 点

点头diǎn tóu
to nod
点心diǎn xin
light refreshments; pastry; dimsum (in Cantonese cooking); dessert
点缀diǎn zhuì
to decorate; an ornament; to adorn; only for show

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Public Lists with 点

Time & Dates
Days of the week, months, seasons, telling time, and related expressions.
Numbers & Counting
Numerals, counting words, and measure words frequently used with numbers.
HSK 1
All words for the HSK 1 test
Measure Words
Commonly used measure words (个, 张, 本, etc.) across various contexts.