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猱 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
猱náoa monkey with yellow hairg, 12 strokes, radical 犭
猱náomacaque (zoology)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 犭
猱náobrisk and nimbleunknown, 12 strokes, radical 犭
猱náoto scratchunknown, 12 strokes, radical 犭
náo(nao2) T2
  1. 1a monkey with yellow hair
  2. 2macaque (zoology)
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March 24, 2026

猱náo(nao2)

The character 猱 (náo) refers to a type of monkey, specifically a macaque, known for its yellowish fur. It can also describe qualities such as being brisk, nimble, or agile, and is associated with actions like scratching. This term is often used in zoological contexts but can also metaphorically describe lively movements in daily conversations.

Strokes12Radical犭
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, monkeys are often seen as symbols of agility and cleverness, particularly in the context of the Chinese zodiac where the Year of the Monkey is celebrated. The macaque, specifically, is seen as a creature that embodies these traits.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bright yellow monkey, the 猱, jumping around nimbly in the trees. The '丷' at the top resembles the monkey's agile limbs, while the '猩' hints at its animal nature. Remember 'náo' sounds like 'now,' as in 'now that monkey is moving quickly!'

Meanings of 猱

náo(nao2)
1a monkey with yellow hair
2macaque (zoology)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 猱

猱Simplified
12Strokes
犭Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 猱

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Podcast: 猱

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AI Study Notes for 猱

Usage Notes

This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation outside zoological contexts, so learners might confuse it with more common words for 'monkey.' It's more formal and specific, so be cautious using it in casual settings. Additionally, learners should ensure correct pronunciation, focusing on the third tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 猱 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be connected to other animal-related words and is beneficial for students interested in animal biology. Focus on the tones and practice with similar zoological terms to enhance retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 猱 with other characters for monkey, like 猴 (hóu). For instance, saying '我看到一个猩' instead of '我看到一个猱' is incorrect; 猩 refers to orangutans, while 猱 specifies macaques.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 猱

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Etymology of 猱

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

animal

Semantic (meaning)犭
+
Phonetic (sound)柔
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 猱

  1. 1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half柔 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayanimal
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 猱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 猱?

Decomposition of 猱

IDS Structure⿰犭柔
猱Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
柔rou2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 猱?

How to say a monkey with yellow hair in Chinese

“a monkey with yellow hair” in Chinese is猱náo

The character 猱 (náo) refers to a type of monkey, specifically a macaque, known for its yellowish fur. It can also describe qualities such as being brisk, nimble, or agile, and is associated with actions like scratching. This term is often used in zoological contexts but can also metaphorically describe lively movements in daily conversations.

When to use 猱

This character is not commonly used in everyday conversation outside zoological contexts, so learners might confuse it with more common words for 'monkey.' It's more formal and specific, so be cautious using it in casual settings. Additionally, learners should ensure correct pronunciation, focusing on the third tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 猱 with other characters for monkey, like 猴 (hóu). For instance, saying '我看到一个猩' instead of '我看到一个猱' is incorrect; 猩 refers to orangutans, while 猱 specifies macaques.

Write 猱

猱

Practice writing 猱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 猱

Words Containing This Character1
猱náoto scratch
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 猱 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 猱

It means a type of monkey, specifically a macaque, known for its yellowish fur.

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