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吵架 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
吵架chǎojiàto quarrelHSK 6, v, rank #2569, Medium
吵架chǎojiàto have a rowHSK 6, v, rank #2569, Medium
吵架chǎojiàquarrelHSK 6, v, rank #2569, Medium
吵架chǎojià>顿[dùn]HSK 6, v, rank #2569, Medium
chǎojià(chao3jia4) T3
  1. 1to quarrel
  2. 2to have a row
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March 24, 2026
吵架chǎojià(chao3jia4)

吵架 (chǎo jià) refers to the act of quarreling or having a heated argument, typically involving raised voices and strong emotions. It is commonly used in both personal relationships and casual conversations to describe conflicts that escalate into verbal disputes.

Frequency#2569DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

Quarreling is often seen as a normal part of relationships in Chinese culture, reflecting a level of intimacy where individuals feel comfortable expressing their disagreements. This contrasts with more reserved approaches in some Western cultures, where open conflict might be avoided.

Memory Tip

Imagine two people in a loud café, their voices rising like the volume on a radio. '吵' (chǎo) looks like a person yelling, while '架' (jià) represents a frame or structure, suggesting a 'framework' for arguments. Together, they create a vivid picture of a quarrel erupting in a structured setting.

Meanings of 吵架

chǎojià(chao3jia4)
1to quarrel
2to have a row
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 吵架

吵架Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2569Frequency Rank
Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 吵架

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Podcast: 吵架

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AI Study Notes for 吵架

Quick Contrast

争吵 (zhēngchǎo) vs 吵架 (chǎojià): use 吵架 when emphasizing the emotional intensity of the argument, while 争吵 is more neutral and can refer to any form of dispute.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine two people in a loud café, their voices rising like the volume on a radio. '吵' (chǎo) looks like a person yelling, while '架' (jià) represents a frame or structure, suggesting a 'framework' for arguments. Together, they create a vivid picture of a quarrel erupting in a structured setting.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 吵架 with other terms for disagreement, such as 争论 (zhēng lùn), which is more formal. 吵架 is informal and often used in everyday conversation. Be careful with tones; mispronouncing 吵 as chāo (first tone) changes the meaning to 'to disturb' instead.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 吵架 connects with other vocabulary related to conflict and disagreement, such as 争吵 (zhēng chǎo) and 和解 (hé jiě). Students should focus on practicing dialogues that involve emotional expressions and conflict resolution.

Cultural Note

Quarreling is often seen as a normal part of relationships in Chinese culture, reflecting a level of intimacy where individuals feel comfortable expressing their disagreements. This contrasts with more reserved approaches in some Western cultures, where open conflict might be avoided.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 吵架 with 吵 (chǎo) meaning 'to disturb' or 'to make noise.' For example, saying '我们吵' (wǒmen chǎo) instead of '我们吵架' (wǒmen chǎo jià) omits the specific context of quarreling.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 吵架

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Component Characters

chǎoto quarrel
HSK 57 strokes
View full entry
jiàto support
HSK 59 strokes
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Write 吵架

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

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Grammar Patterns of 吵架

吵架 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他们见了面就____。

They argue as soon as they see each other.

Example Sentences for 吵架 (4)

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1
他们不喜欢他, 他老爱和人吵架.

tā mén bù xǐ huān tā, , tā lǎo ài hé rén chǎo.

They don't like him; he is always quarrelling with people.
2
你今天就是找人吵架的。

nǐ jīn tiān jiù shì zhǎo rén chǎo jià de。

You're in an argumentative mood today!
3
“她大概跟男朋友吵架了,”查尔斯说道。

“ “ tā dà gài gēn nán péng yǒu chǎo jià,” le ,” chá ěr sī。

"She's probably had a row with her boyfriend," Charles opined.
4
“ 哎, 妈妈, 别吵架吧, " 杰西卡说, " 今天早上究竟出了什么事 啊 ? ”

“ “, āi ,, mā mā , bié," chǎo jià bā , "," jié xī kǎ shuō , " jīn tiān zǎo shàng jiū jìng chū?”

" Oh, mamma, don't row, " answered Jessica. " What's the matter this morning, anyway? "

Cultural Notes for 吵架

🏮Cultural insight

Quarreling is often seen as a normal part of relationships in Chinese culture, reflecting a level of intimacy where individuals feel comfortable expressing their disagreements. This contrasts with more reserved approaches in some Western cultures, where open conflict might be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions about 吵架

吵架 is generally used in informal situations, but it can refer to serious arguments depending on the context.