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熏陶 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
熏陶xūntáoto seep inHSK 7, vn, rank #31492, Very Hard
熏陶xūntáoto influenceHSK 7, vn, rank #31492, Very Hard
熏陶xūntáoto nurtureHSK 7, vn, rank #31492, Very Hard
熏陶xūntáoinfluenceHSK 7, vn, rank #31492, Very Hard
熏陶xūntáotrainingHSK 7, vn, rank #31492, Very Hard
xūntáo(xun1tao2) T1
  1. 1to seep in
  2. 2to influence
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March 24, 2026
熏陶(薰陶)xūntáo(xun1tao2)

熏陶 (xūn táo) refers to the process of nurturing or influencing someone positively, often through subtle, gradual means. This term is commonly used in contexts related to education, personal development, and cultural exposure, suggesting a deep, internalized impact rather than immediate change.

Frequency#31492DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 熏陶 is often associated with the Confucian idea of moral and ethical education, where character is shaped through a nurturing environment rather than direct instruction.

Memory Tip

Imagine a gentle breeze (熏, xūn) carrying fragrant smoke that slowly permeates a room, nurturing the atmosphere. The character 陶 (táo) resembles a potter shaping clay, symbolizing the art of cultivating and influencing one's character over time.

Meanings of 熏陶

xūntáo(xun1tao2)
1to seep in
2to influence
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 熏陶

熏陶Simplified
薰陶Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#31492Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 熏陶

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Podcast: 熏陶

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AI Study Notes for 熏陶

Quick Contrast

熏陶 (xūntáo) vs 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) — use 熏陶 to emphasize a nurturing influence, while 影响 denotes a more general impact.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a gentle breeze (熏, xūn) carrying fragrant smoke that slowly permeates a room, nurturing the atmosphere. The character 陶 (táo) resembles a potter shaping clay, symbolizing the art of cultivating and influencing one's character over time.

Usage Notes

熏陶 is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or educational discussions, rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include '熏陶出' (nurtured into) and '受到熏陶' (influenced by). Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing it can change its meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As a HSK 6 word, 熏陶 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to education and influence, such as 教育 (jiàoyù, education) and 影响 (yǐngxiǎng, influence). Focus on understanding its usage in literary and philosophical texts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 熏陶 is often associated with the Confucian idea of moral and ethical education, where character is shaped through a nurturing environment rather than direct instruction.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 熏陶 with similar words like 教育 (jiàoyù, education), using it in contexts where direct teaching is implied. Correct usage would focus on more subtle influences, such as '他的性格受到良好的熏陶' (His character has been positively nurtured).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 熏陶

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Component Characters

xūnto smoke
HSK 714 strokes
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táopottery
HSK 710 strokes
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Write 熏陶

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

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Grammar Patterns of 熏陶

熏陶 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 5 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 1

Complete the Sentence

我周围是些经常读书写文章的人,我是在他们的____下长大的。

I was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.

Example Sentences for 熏陶 (1)

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1
我周围是些经常读书写文章的人,我是在他们的熏陶下长大的。

wǒ zhōu wéi shì xiē jīng cháng dú shū xiě wén zhāng de rén, , wǒ shì zài tā mén de xūn táo xià cháng dà。

I was brought up among people who read and wrote a lot.

Cultural Notes for 熏陶

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 熏陶 is often associated with the Confucian idea of moral and ethical education, where character is shaped through a nurturing environment rather than direct instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions about 熏陶

熏陶 implies a deeper, more nurturing influence, while 影响 generally refers to any kind of influence, often more immediate or external.