Dictionary
English - Chinese
Letter
ˈlɛdər
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
信件, 字母, 文凭, 证书, 信函, 凭证
Letter meanings in Chinese
信件
Example:
I received a letter from my friend yesterday.
我昨天收到了朋友的信件。
She wrote a letter to her grandmother.
她给奶奶写了一封信。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both formal and informal situations to refer to written correspondence.
Note: 信件通常指的是书面形式的通信，可以是手写的或打印的。
字母
Example:
The letter 'A' is the first letter of the alphabet.
字母'A'是字母表中的第一个字母。
You need to write your name using capital letters.
你需要用大写字母写你的名字。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in educational contexts or discussions about language and writing.
Note: 字母指的是构成语言的基本符号，通常用在语言学习和拼写中。
文凭, 证书
Example:
He received a letter of acceptance from the university.
他收到了大学的录取通知书。
The letter confirmed her graduation.
这封信确认了她的毕业。
Usage: formalContext: Used in academic and professional contexts to refer to official documents.
Note: 在某些情况下，letter可指代正式的通知或证书，如录取通知书或推荐信。
信函, 凭证
Example:
Please include a letter with your application.
请在申请中附上信函。
The letter serves as proof of your payment.
这封信作为你付款的凭证。
Usage: formalContext: Used in legal, business, or administrative contexts.
Note: 信函可以用作正式的凭证或附加文件，通常在申请和商业交易中使用。
Letter's synonyms
message
A message is a written, spoken, or recorded communication sent from one person to another.
Example: I received a message from my friend.
Note: While a letter is a specific form of written communication, a message can be written, spoken, or recorded.
note
A note is a brief written record of something to assist the memory or for communication.
Example: She left a note on the kitchen table.
Note: A note is usually shorter and more informal than a letter.
correspondence
Correspondence refers to communication by exchanging letters with someone.
Example: The company's correspondence with its clients is handled professionally.
Note: Correspondence is a broader term that encompasses all forms of written communication, including letters.
missive
A missive is a formal or official letter.
Example: The ambassador sent a missive to the foreign ministry.
Note: Missive is often used in formal or official contexts, whereas a letter can be more casual.
Letter expressions, common phrases
Open letter
An open letter is a letter that is published and intended for a wide audience to read, often addressing a specific issue or expressing a viewpoint.
Example: The activist wrote an open letter to the government expressing her concerns.
Note: The term 'open letter' carries the implication of being public and accessible to many, as opposed to a private communication.
Chain letter
A chain letter is a message that is sent to multiple recipients with a request to forward it to others, often promising good luck or threatening bad luck if not followed.
Example: I received a chain letter in my email inbox asking me to send it to ten more people.
Note: Unlike a traditional letter, a chain letter is typically not a personal communication but rather a message passed along in a chain-like manner.
Dead letter
A dead letter refers to a law, rule, or agreement that is no longer valid or enforceable.
Example: The law that was passed has rendered the previous regulations a dead letter.
Note: In this context, 'dead letter' conveys the idea of something that is obsolete or ineffective, rather than a literal written communication.
Love letter
A love letter is a written expression of affection, typically romantic in nature and intended to convey deep emotions to a loved one.
Example: He poured his heart out in a love letter to his long-distance girlfriend.
Note: Unlike a casual letter or message, a love letter is usually more intimate and heartfelt, expressing deep emotions.
Red letter day
A red-letter day is a special, memorable day, often marked by an important event or achievement that stands out in one's memory.
Example: Winning the championship was definitely a red-letter day in his life.
Note: This phrase uses 'red letter' figuratively to signify significance or importance, rather than referring to a physical letter.
Dear John letter
A Dear John letter is a letter, typically from a woman to her partner, informing them of the end of the relationship.
Example: She couldn't face him, so she sent a Dear John letter instead.
Note: The term 'Dear John letter' is specific to a breakup message sent through a letter and conveys the idea of a formal or impersonal breakup notification.
Letter of the law
To adhere strictly to the letter of the law means to obey the exact words and interpretation of a law, regulation, or rule, without considering the spirit or intention behind it.
Example: He followed the letter of the law, even if it seemed unfair.
Note: This phrase emphasizes strict adherence to the literal wording of a law, focusing on technical compliance rather than the underlying purpose or intent.
Letter-perfect
Something described as letter-perfect is flawless, accurate, and without errors or imperfections.
Example: Her presentation was letter-perfect, with no mistakes in sight.
Note: The term 'letter-perfect' emphasizes precision and correctness down to the smallest detail, akin to the flawless appearance of well-formed letters.
Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are formal letters written by someone who knows you well, endorsing your character, abilities, and qualifications for a specific purpose, such as a job or academic application.
Example: He asked his former professors to write letters of recommendation for his job applications.
Note: Unlike personal or casual letters, letters of recommendation have a formal structure and are tailored to support someone's application or candidacy for a particular opportunity.
Letter everyday (slang) expressions
Drop a line
To communicate briefly or send a short message.
Example: Hey, why don't you drop me a line sometime?
Note: Replaces 'write a letter,' suggesting a more casual and informal form of communication such as a text or email.
Hit the books
To study intensively or start working on something.
Example: I need to hit the books and write this paper tonight.
Note: Refers to starting to study or work on something in a focused way, not to literally hitting physical books or letters.
Get the message
To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I think he finally got the message about why we can't go.
Note: Implies understanding or receiving information, not necessarily written in a letter.
Read between the lines
To understand the hidden or implied meaning in what someone says or writes.
Example: She didn't say it directly, but I'm reading between the lines that she's not happy.
Note: Refers to understanding the subtext or hidden message in communication, not literally reading letters between lines on a page.
In black and white
In written or printed form, typically referring to something official or documented.
Example: I need to see it in black and white before I believe it.
Note: Refers to something being clearly written or documented, not specifically as a 'letter' but more broadly as written information in any form.
Put it in writing
To formalize or make official by documenting in writing.
Example: If you agree to these terms, I'll need you to put it in writing.
Note: Refers to any written communication, not limited to a traditional 'letter,' but could involve emails, contracts, etc.
Read my lips
An emphatic way to ensure someone understands and remembers a statement.
Example: Read my lips, I'm not going to change my mind.
Note: An idiom to emphasize a verbal message, not related to reading words literally on lips as in a letter.
Letter - Examples
I received a letter from my friend yesterday.
我昨天收到了朋友的一封信。
The word 'cat' has three letters.
单词 'cat' 有三个字母。
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing.
书法是美丽书写的艺术。
Letter grammar
Letter - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: letter
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): letters
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): letter
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): lettered
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): lettering
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): letters
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): letter
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): letter
Syllables, Separation and Stress
letter Contains 2 syllables: let • ter
Phonetic transcription: ˈle-tər
let ter , ˈle tər (The red syllable is stressed)
Letter - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
letter: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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