Meanings of 黠
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About 黠
Podcast: 黠
Podcast: 黠
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AI Study Notes for 黠
狡 (jiǎo) - use 狡 for a stronger emphasis on deceitfulness, while 黠 can imply cleverness without overt malice. 机灵 (jīling) - choose 机灵 for a more neutral or positive connotation of cleverness, as opposed to the slyness of 黠.
When using this word, be mindful of its connotation; it can imply a lack of trustworthiness. It is more commonly used in literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. A common collocation is '黠计' (xiá jì), meaning crafty plans.
Though not part of the standard HSK levels, understanding 黠 can enhance your vocabulary regarding character traits. Focus on its usage in literature and storytelling to help build a nuanced understanding of similar words like '聪明' (cōngmíng - smart) and '狡猾' (jiǎohuá - cunning).
Learners often confuse 黠 with similar sounding words. For example, using it interchangeably with '聪明' (cōngmíng) is incorrect since '聪明' has a positive meaning. Remember, 黠 suggests a slyness that may not be trustworthy.
Pronunciation of 黠
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Etymology of 黠
Phonosemantic compound. 黑 represents the meaning and 吉 represents the sound.
sinister
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 黠
Phonosemantic compound. 黑 represents the meaning and 吉 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half黑 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half吉 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaysinister
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 黠? 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
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Decomposition of 黠
Identify the Components
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How to say sly, cunning, shrewd; artful in Chinese
“sly, cunning, shrewd; artful” in Chinese is黠
The character 黠 (xiá) refers to someone who is sly, cunning, or shrewd. It is often used to describe a person who is clever in a crafty way, sometimes with a negative connotation of deceitfulness. This term can apply in contexts ranging from everyday interactions to literary descriptions of characters.
When to use 黠
When using this word, be mindful of its connotation; it can imply a lack of trustworthiness. It is more commonly used in literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. A common collocation is '黠计' (xiá jì), meaning crafty plans.
黠 or something close to it
狡 (jiǎo) - use 狡 for a stronger emphasis on deceitfulness, while 黠 can imply cleverness without overt malice. 机灵 (jīling) - choose 机灵 for a more neutral or positive connotation of cleverness, as opposed to the slyness of 黠.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 黠 with similar sounding words. For example, using it interchangeably with '聪明' (cōngmíng) is incorrect since '聪明' has a positive meaning. Remember, 黠 suggests a slyness that may not be trustworthy.
Write 黠
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Practice writing 黠 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 黠
黠 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他的眼中满是狡____。
His eyes were full of mischief.
Example Sentences for 黠 (1)
Reorder the Sentence
His eyes were full of mischief.
Word Family of 黠
Compound Meaning
What does 狡黠 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 黠
It generally has a negative connotation, implying deceitfulness or craftiness.
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