Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
郊区(郊區)jiāoqū(jiao1qu1)
郊区 (jiāo qū) refers to the suburban districts or outskirts of a city. It is commonly used in contexts discussing urban planning, commuting, and living arrangements, distinguishing areas that are less densely populated compared to city centers. The term evokes a sense of a quieter, more spacious environment, often associated with residential neighborhoods.
Frequency#7716DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 郊区 is particularly relevant given the rapid urbanization, with many people moving to the suburbs for more affordable housing while still commuting to the city for work. This reflects the growing trend of urban sprawl in major cities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'jiāo' (郊) landscape where 'qu' (区) means area. Picture yourself driving out of the bustling city into a serene suburb, where the scenery opens up, representing the broader area surrounding the city's core.
Meanings of 郊区
jiāoqū(jiao1qu1)
1suburban district
2outskirts
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 郊区
郊区Simplified
郊區Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
处所词locative noun (loc.)Part of Speech
#7716Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 郊区
Podcast: 郊区
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 郊区
Quick Contrast
市区 (shìqū) — use 郊区 when referring specifically to suburban areas rather than urban centers.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'jiāo' (郊) landscape where 'qu' (区) means area. Picture yourself driving out of the bustling city into a serene suburb, where the scenery opens up, representing the broader area surrounding the city's core.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 郊区 primarily in informal conversations or when discussing geographical contexts; avoid using it in very formal writing. Common collocations include '郊区住宅' (suburban housing) and '郊区交通' (suburban transportation). Remember that the fourth tone in '区' can easily be mispronounced, so practice the pronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 郊区 connects well with other location-based vocabulary, such as 城市 (city) and 市区 (urban area). Focus on practicing dialogues that compare life in the city versus life in the suburbs to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 郊区 is particularly relevant given the rapid urbanization, with many people moving to the suburbs for more affordable housing while still commuting to the city for work. This reflects the growing trend of urban sprawl in major cities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 郊区 with 乡村 (countryside), but 郊区 specifically refers to suburbs near a city, not rural areas. For example, saying '我住在乡村' (I live in the countryside) when intending to say '我住在郊区' (I live in the suburbs) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 郊区
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 郊区 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 郊区 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 郊区
郊区 carries 4 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 4
Complete the Sentence
安娜于1923年出生在曼彻斯特的____阿德维克。
Anna was born in 1923 in Ardwick, a suburb of Manchester.
Example Sentences for 郊区 (6)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
安娜于1923年出生在曼彻斯特的郊区阿德维克。
ān nà yú1923 1923 nián chū shēng zài màn chè sī tè de jiāo qū ā dé wéi。
Anna was born in 1923 in Ardwick, a suburb of Manchester.
2
她租住在伯明翰某处阴沉沉的郊区.
tā zū zhù zài bó míng hàn mǒu chǔ yīn chén chén de jiāo qū.
She's renting in some grey suburb of Birmingham.
3
他们现在已经远离了最远的零星分布的郊区了。
tā mén xiàn zài yǐ jīng yuǎn lí le zuì yuǎn de líng xīng fēn bù de jiāo qū le。
They were beyond the last straggling suburbs now.
4
路程好象是漫无尽头似的, 沿途经过了不少住得拥挤不堪的郊区砖砌矮房子.
lù chéng hǎo xiàng shì màn wú jìn tóu sì de, , yán tú jīng guò le bù shǎo zhù dé yōng jǐ bù kān de jiāo qū zhuān qì ǎi fáng.
Its route seemed interminable, through the low, brick, suburban, populous va stness.
Tim and Barbara are now saving for a house in the suburbs.
Cultural Notes for 郊区
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 郊区 is particularly relevant given the rapid urbanization, with many people moving to the suburbs for more affordable housing while still commuting to the city for work. This reflects the growing trend of urban sprawl in major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 郊区
郊区 refers to the suburbs or outskirts, while 市区 means the urban area or city center.
It is generally considered informal, so it's better to use it in conversational contexts.
You might find parks, residential neighborhoods, and shopping areas in the suburbs.
