char
gb/t͡ʃˈɑɹ/ us/t͡ʃˈɑɹ/
B1
English
~ 3800
jel, karakter, megperzsel, megperzselődik, takarító, bejárónő
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
a [number] char(s) long
The password must contain at least one special char.
Each char in the string is stored as a byte.
The database field can hold up to 255 chars.
Learner examples
Type each char carefully.
This word has five chars.
The program counts the chars in your text.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'char' (abbreviation for 'character') with 'char' meaning 'burn'. Context determines the meaning.
Meaning
a letter or symbol
Collocations
special char
|char encoding
|char limit
Synonyms
character (Full form; 'char' is often an abbreviation in computing contexts.)
Themes
writing
|computing
|communication
|education
|science
Definition
A single letter, number, or symbol in writing or on a computer.
A single letter, numeral, or other symbol used in writing, printing, or computing.
VERB
B2
2
megperzsel
B2
Usage pattern:
to char [something]
Grill the peppers until the skins char and blister.
Grillezd a paprikákat, amíg a héjuk meg nem feketedik és fel nem hólyagosodik.
The edges of the paper began to char from the candle flame.
A papír szélei elkezdtek megperzselődni a gyertya lángjától.
The chef likes to char the steak for extra flavor.
Learner examples
The cook will char the bread.
A szakács meg fogja perzselni a kenyeret.
I char the fish on both sides.
A halat mindkét oldalán megperzselem.
The fire will char the wood.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'burn' instead of 'char', but 'burn' can mean destroy completely, while 'char' is surface burning.
Meaning
burn the surface slightly
Collocations
char the meat
|charred wood
|slightly charred
Synonyms
scorch ('Scorch' can mean burn without flames, often from heat exposure; 'char' implies blackening.)
Antonyms
cool (Cooling is the opposite effect of burning or heating.)
Themes
cooking
|fire
|materials
|daily_life
|food_drink
Definition
To burn the outside of something a little, making it black.
To burn the surface of something so that it becomes blackened but not completely destroyed.
NOUN
B2
INFORMAL
3
They hire a char to come twice a week.
Egy takarítót alkalmaznak, aki hetente kétszer jár hozzájuk.
The office char arrives early in the morning.
Az irodai takarító kora reggel érkezik.
Her grandmother worked as a char for many years.
Learner examples
We have a char once a week.
Hetente egyszer jár hozzánk egy takarító.
The char cleans the kitchen.
A takarító kitakarítja a konyhát.
A char comes to our office.
Common mistake:
Some learners may think 'char' is short for 'character' in this context; here it refers to a cleaner.
Meaning
a cleaning lady or man
Collocations
daily char
|office char
|hire a char
Synonyms
cleaner ('Cleaner' is more common and neutral; 'char' is informal and sometimes old-fashioned.)
Themes
jobs
|daily life
|daily_life
|work
|housing
Definition
A person who cleans houses or offices for money.
A person, usually working part-time, who cleans houses or offices for pay.
Grammar
Dictionary form
char
IPA
GB/t͡ʃˈɑɹ/
US/t͡ʃˈɑɹ/
Syllables & stress
char (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (char)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: char
- Plural: char, chars
Verb
- Base: char
- 3rd Person Singular: chars
- Present Participle: charring
- Past: charred
Word family
Forms
chars
noun
charring
verb
charred
verb
Core family
charcoal
noun
Advanced or less common
charbroil
verb
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: charring Verb
- Irregular past: charred Verb
Expressions
char limit
1/t͡ʃˈɑɹ lˈɪmɪt/
fixed phrase
technical
maximum allowed characters
The largest number of letters, numbers, or symbols you can use in a text box or message.
Examples
- Your tweet exceeds the 280 char limit.
- Please keep your password within the 16 char limit.
char up
1/t͡ʃˈɑɹ ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
burn until blackened
To burn something so its outside becomes black.
Examples
- Be careful not to char up the toast.
- The fire charred up the edges of the paper.