类 — meaning in English: class

lèi · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for class

唇

chún

疑点

yídiǎn

分析

fēnxī

雨

yǔ

类

lèi

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 类 (lèi) in academic settings, such as discussing different types of classes in school, or in professional environments when categorizing products or services. For example, a professor might say, '这门课属于科学类' (This course belongs to the science category) during a lecture.

Synonyms & nuances

类 (lèi) is often compared to 种 (zhǒng), which also means 'type' or 'kind.' While 类 implies a broader classification, 种 tends to refer to more specific varieties. For instance, you might say '水果类' (fruit category) for a broader grouping, but '苹果种' (apple variety) for a specific type.

Culture

The character 类 (lèi) is interesting because it not only means 'class' or 'category' but also reflects a broader concept of classification that is significant in Chinese philosophy and education. Historically, the idea of categorization has been crucial in ancient Chinese texts, influencing how knowledge was organized and taught across various fields.

FAQ

Q.What does 类 (lèi) mean in English?

类 (lèi) translates to 'class' or 'category' in English, and it is used to group things based on shared characteristics. It's a versatile term found in various contexts, from education to business.

Q.How do I use 类 (lèi) in a sentence?

You can use 类 (lèi) to classify items or ideas. For example, saying '这本书属于文学类' (This book belongs to the literature category) illustrates its use in categorization.

Q.Are there common mistakes with 类 (lèi)?

A common mistake is mixing up 类 (lèi) with similar words without understanding their context. Ensure you use 类 for broader categories while opting for 种 (zhǒng) when specifying particular types within a category.

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