Meanings of 坳
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 坳
Podcast: 坳
Podcast: 坳
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 坳
凹 (āo) - use 坳 (ào) for specific geographical depressions, while 凹 (āo) refers more generally to any concave shape.
Learners often confuse 坳 (ào) with similar characters like 凹 (āo), which also means depression but is used in different contexts. It's important to use 坳 in geographical contexts rather than everyday situations. Be mindful of tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
While 坳 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enrich your vocabulary related to nature and geography. Focus on its usage with other terrain-related vocabulary to build a cohesive understanding.
Learners might confuse 坳 (ào) with other similar characters, using it incorrectly in non-geographical contexts. For example, saying '我感觉很坳' (Wǒ gǎnjué hěn ào) to mean 'I feel depressed' is incorrect; instead, use 低落 (dīluò) for emotional states.
Pronunciation of 坳
Drill the tone of 坳 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 坳
earth
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 坳
- 1The meaning half土 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half幼 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayearth
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 坳? 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 坳?
Decomposition of 坳
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 坳?
How to say cavity, depression, hollow; depressed; undulating in Chinese
“cavity, depression, hollow; depressed; undulating” in Chinese is坳
The character 坳 (ào) refers to a geographical depression or cavity in the landscape, such as a hollow or dip in the ground. It is commonly used in contexts relating to topography and can describe undulating terrain. The nuance often implies a sense of being lower than the surrounding area.
When to use 坳
Learners often confuse 坳 (ào) with similar characters like 凹 (āo), which also means depression but is used in different contexts. It's important to use 坳 in geographical contexts rather than everyday situations. Be mindful of tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
坳 or something close to it
凹 (āo) - use 坳 (ào) for specific geographical depressions, while 凹 (āo) refers more generally to any concave shape.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 坳 (ào) with other similar characters, using it incorrectly in non-geographical contexts. For example, saying '我感觉很坳' (Wǒ gǎnjué hěn ào) to mean 'I feel depressed' is incorrect; instead, use 低落 (dīluò) for emotional states.
Write 坳
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 坳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 坳
Compound Meaning
What does 坳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 坳
While both refer to depressions, 坳 is typically used in a geographical context, whereas 凹 describes a more general concave shape.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 坳?
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.