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蟏 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蟏xiāoa long-legged spiderx, 17 strokes, radical 虫
蟏xiāolong-legged spiderunknown, 17 strokes, radical 虫
xiāo(xiao1) T1
  1. 1a long-legged spider
  2. 2long-legged spider
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

蟏(蠨)xiāo(xiao1)

The character 蟏 (xiāo) refers to a long-legged spider, typically known for its slender legs and quick movements. It is a specific term that may be used in entomology or casual conversations about spiders. This word is less common in everyday language, making it more specialized.

Strokes17Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, certain spiders are associated with luck and prosperity, while others may be viewed with fear. Understanding the specific types of spiders, like 蟏, can enhance discussions about nature and superstitions in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall, thin spider with long legs that resembles a person trying to walk on stilts. The character 蟏 has the radical 虫 (insect), which signifies that it relates to creatures like spiders. The 'xi' in 'xiāo' sounds like 'see,' as if you are seeing this spider moving gracefully across your floor.

Meanings of 蟏

xiāo(xiao1)
1a long-legged spider
2long-legged spider
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蟏

蟏Simplified
蠨Traditional
17Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蟏

JasonAmy

Podcast: 蟏

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 蟏

Usage Notes

While 蟏 is a specific term, it may be confused with more general terms for spider, such as 蜘蛛 (zhīzhū). Use 蟏 in contexts where you want to specifically refer to long-legged spiders. Be mindful of pronunciation and tones, as mispronouncing 'xiāo' can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蟏 is not found in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words related to insects and animals. Students at this level should focus on recognizing how specific terms can enhance vocabulary related to the natural world.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蟏 with more general terms like 蜘蛛, leading to incorrect usage in contexts. For example, saying '我看到一个蟏' (I saw a spider) when referring to any spider is incorrect; it should be '我看到一个蜘蛛'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蟏

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Etymology of 蟏

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

insect

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 蟏

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half萧 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayinsect
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 蟏? 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 蟏?

Decomposition of 蟏

IDS Structure⿰虫萧
蟏Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
萧Xiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蟏?

How to say a long-legged spider in Chinese

“a long-legged spider” in Chinese is蟏xiāo

The character 蟏 (xiāo) refers to a long-legged spider, typically known for its slender legs and quick movements. It is a specific term that may be used in entomology or casual conversations about spiders. This word is less common in everyday language, making it more specialized.

When to use 蟏

While 蟏 is a specific term, it may be confused with more general terms for spider, such as 蜘蛛 (zhīzhū). Use 蟏 in contexts where you want to specifically refer to long-legged spiders. Be mindful of pronunciation and tones, as mispronouncing 'xiāo' can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 蟏 with more general terms like 蜘蛛, leading to incorrect usage in contexts. For example, saying '我看到一个蟏' (I saw a spider) when referring to any spider is incorrect; it should be '我看到一个蜘蛛'.

Write 蟏

蟏

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 蟏

It is pronounced as 'xiāo' with a rising tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 蟏?

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.