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March 24, 2026
窕tiǎo(tiao3)
The character 窕 (tiǎo) conveys the meanings of being slender, gentle, and elegant. It is often used to describe a person, particularly a woman, who possesses a quiet charm and gracefulness. The nuance of this word suggests a sense of modesty and tranquility, making it suitable in contexts that highlight beauty and refinement.
Strokes11Radical穴Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the ideal of beauty often emphasizes modesty and grace, which is embodied in the character 窕. This reflects societal values that appreciate subtlety over ostentation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a delicate, slender tree (the radical '窕' resembles a tree) standing quietly by a serene pond. The gentle sway of the branches reflects the charm and elegance of a modest person. The sound 'tiǎo' can remind you of 'tall' in English, evoking an image of a tall, graceful figure.
Meanings of 窕
tiǎo(tiao3)
1slender; quiet, modest; charming
2quiet and secluded
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 窕
窕Simplified
11Strokes
穴Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 窕
Podcast: 窕
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AI Study Notes for 窕
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a delicate, slender tree (the radical '窕' resembles a tree) standing quietly by a serene pond. The gentle sway of the branches reflects the charm and elegance of a modest person. The sound 'tiǎo' can remind you of 'tall' in English, evoking an image of a tall, graceful figure.
Usage Notes
Use 窕 in more formal contexts, especially when describing beauty or elegance. Common collocations include phrases like 窕丽 (tiǎo lì) meaning 'charming and beautiful.' Watch out for tone errors, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 窕 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it enriches your comprehension of descriptive adjectives. Focus on how it connects with other adjectives describing beauty and elegance, such as 美丽 (měi lì) and 优雅 (yōu yǎ).
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the ideal of beauty often emphasizes modesty and grace, which is embodied in the character 窕. This reflects societal values that appreciate subtlety over ostentation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 窕 with similar-sounding characters like 调 (tiáo), which means 'to adjust' or 'to tune.' For example, saying '我觉得她很调' instead of '我觉得她很窕' can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窕
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Grammar Patterns of 窕
窕 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
这些孩子当中,有的白晰圆胖, 有的黑而窈____.
Some of those children were fair and rounded, others dark and elf - like.
Example Sentences for 窕 (1)
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1
这些孩子当中,有的白晰圆胖, 有的黑而窈窕.
zhè xiē hái zǐ dāng zhōng, , yǒu de bái xī yuán, pàng , yǒu de hēi ér.
Some of those children were fair and rounded, others dark and elf - like.
Cultural Notes for 窕
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the ideal of beauty often emphasizes modesty and grace, which is embodied in the character 窕. This reflects societal values that appreciate subtlety over ostentation.
Word Family of 窕
Words Containing This Character2
窈窕a seductive woman
窕tiǎoquiet and secluded
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 窈窕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窕
It refers to qualities like modesty, quiet charm, and elegance, often used to describe women.
While it can be used, it is more commonly found in literary or poetic contexts rather than casual speech.
It is pronounced 'tiǎo' with a falling-rising tone, so make sure to emphasize the tone to convey the correct meaning.
