Meanings of 鴞
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鴞
Podcast: 鴞
Podcast: 鴞
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 鴞
鸮 (xiāo) - use 鴞 for a more general or cultural reference to owls, while 鸮 specifically refers to certain species of owls.
While 鴞 is a specific term for owl, it may not be commonly used in casual conversation, where the more general term for bird (鸟) may suffice. Be mindful of the formal context in which you use this word, and ensure to use the correct tone when pronouncing xiāo to avoid confusion with other words.
This character is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, but understanding it can enhance your knowledge of animal vocabulary in Chinese. Focus on its relation to other bird-related terms and practice distinguishing between similar-sounding characters.
Learners often confuse 鴞 with other bird characters like 鸟 (bird) or 猫头鹰 (owl, specifically the barn owl). To avoid confusion, remember that 鴞 specifically refers to owls and is less commonly used than the more general term for birds.
Pronunciation of 鴞
Drill the tone of 鴞 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 鴞
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 号 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴞.
bird
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 鴞
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 号 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴞.
- 1The meaning half鳥 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half号 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybird
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 鴞? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 鴞?
Decomposition of 鴞
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 鴞?
How to say owl in Chinese
“owl” in Chinese is鴞
The character 鴞 (xiāo) refers specifically to an owl, a nocturnal bird known for its distinctive hooting and silent flight. In Chinese culture, owls are often viewed with a mix of reverence and superstition, symbolizing wisdom in some contexts, while in others, they are associated with bad omens.
When to use 鴞
While 鴞 is a specific term for owl, it may not be commonly used in casual conversation, where the more general term for bird (鸟) may suffice. Be mindful of the formal context in which you use this word, and ensure to use the correct tone when pronouncing xiāo to avoid confusion with other words.
鴞 or something close to it
鸮 (xiāo) - use 鴞 for a more general or cultural reference to owls, while 鸮 specifically refers to certain species of owls.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鴞 with other bird characters like 鸟 (bird) or 猫头鹰 (owl, specifically the barn owl). To avoid confusion, remember that 鴞 specifically refers to owls and is less commonly used than the more general term for birds.
Write 鴞
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 鴞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 鴞
Compound Meaning
What does 鸮 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鴞
It is pronounced as 'xiāo' with a first tone.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 鴞?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.