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March 24, 2026
凹凸āotū(ao1tu1)
The term '凹凸' refers to a surface that is not smooth, characterized by bumps and hollows. It can describe physical textures, such as a rugged landscape or uneven terrain, as well as abstract concepts like unevenness in quality or performance.
Frequency#38622DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture and design, '凹凸' is often used to describe traditional elements like patterned roofs or textured walls, emphasizing the aesthetic value of uneven surfaces that reflect light and create depth.
Memory Tip
Imagine a roller coaster with its ups (凸) and downs (凹). The peaks and valleys represent the bumpy and uneven nature of '凹凸'. The 'ao' in '凹' sounds like 'ow' when you hit a bump, while 'tu' in '凸' can remind you of 'two' peaks.
Meanings of 凹凸
āotū(ao1tu1)
1bumpy
2uneven
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 凹凸
凹凸Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#38622Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 凹凸
Podcast: 凹凸
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AI Study Notes for 凹凸
Quick Contrast
凹凸 (āotū) vs 不平 (bùpíng) — use 凹凸 for describing a surface with bumps and hollows, while 不平 refers more generally to unevenness without the specific texture connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a roller coaster with its ups (凸) and downs (凹). The peaks and valleys represent the bumpy and uneven nature of '凹凸'. The 'ao' in '凹' sounds like 'ow' when you hit a bump, while 'tu' in '凸' can remind you of 'two' peaks.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, '凹凸' can describe physical surfaces as well as metaphorical unevenness. Be careful with pronunciation: the first tone for '凹' and the first tone for '凸' must be clearly distinguished to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As a Level 6 word, '凹凸' connects to vocabulary related to physical descriptions and abstract qualities. Focus on using it in context with other descriptive terms to enhance your expressive capabilities in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese architecture and design, '凹凸' is often used to describe traditional elements like patterned roofs or textured walls, emphasizing the aesthetic value of uneven surfaces that reflect light and create depth.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '凹' and '凸' with similar-sounding words. For example, saying 'ao1 tu2' instead of 'ao1 tu1' changes its meaning. Pay attention to the correct tones to avoid misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凹凸
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Grammar Patterns of 凹凸
凹凸 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 8 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
他摇摇晃晃地行走在停车场____不平的地面上。
He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park.
Example Sentences for 凹凸 (4)
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1
他摇摇晃晃地行走在停车场凹凸不平的地面上。
tā yáo yáo huǎng huǎng dì háng zǒu zài tíng chē cháng āo tū bù píng de dì miàn shàng。
He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park.
2
柏油路面两边的辅道上布满车辙，凹凸不平。
bǎi yóu lù miàn liǎng biān de fǔ dào shàng bù mǎn chē zhé， ， āo tū bù。
The side tracks off the tarred road were rutted and uneven.
3
卡车嘎吱嘎吱地在凹凸不平的地面上颠簸而行。
kǎ chē gā zhī gā zhī dì zài āo tū bù píng de dì miàn shàng diān bò ér háng。
The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground.
4
他脸上那凹凸不平的疤使他显得更为凶恶可怕.
tā liǎn shàng nà āo tū bù píng de bā shǐ tā xiǎn dé gēng wéi xiōng è kě pà.
The ragged scar on his face lent him a sinister look.
Cultural Notes for 凹凸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese architecture and design, '凹凸' is often used to describe traditional elements like patterned roofs or textured walls, emphasizing the aesthetic value of uneven surfaces that reflect light and create depth.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Western design often favors smooth finishes, Chinese aesthetics appreciate the beauty of texture and unevenness, which can convey naturalness and harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions about 凹凸
'凹凸' can describe both physical surfaces and metaphorical concepts, such as uneven performance or quality.
'凹' is pronounced with the first tone (āo) and '凸' with the first tone (tū); ensure you keep both tones high and level.
Yes, '凹凸' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but ensure it fits the subject matter appropriately.
