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狭隘 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
狭隘xiá’àinarrowHSK 7, a, rank #18492, Hard
狭隘xiá’àitightHSK 7, a, rank #18492, Hard
狭隘xiá’àinarrow mindedHSK 7, a, rank #18492, Hard
狭隘xiá’àilacking in experienceHSK 7, a, rank #18492, Hard
xiá’ài(xia2ai4) T2
  1. 1narrow
  2. 2tight
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March 24, 2026
狭隘(狹隘)xiá’ài(xia2ai4)

The term '狭隘' (xiá'ài) refers to something that is physically narrow or tight, as well as metaphorically describing a narrow-minded attitude or limited perspective. It is commonly used to criticize someone's viewpoint or to describe a restrictive environment that lacks openness or breadth.

Frequency#18492DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being '狭隘' is often viewed negatively, as there is a strong emphasis on harmony and broad-mindedness in social interactions. In literature, characters exhibiting '狭隘' qualities are typically depicted as lacking wisdom or insight.

Memory Tip

Imagine a narrow alley where two people struggle to pass each other, representing '狭' (narrow) and '隘' (tight). Think of 'xia' as 'shy' people who can't see beyond their own narrow views, and 'ai' as 'eye'—the idea that they are missing a broader perspective.

Meanings of 狭隘

xiá’ài(xia2ai4)
1narrow
2tight
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 狭隘

狭隘Simplified
狹隘Traditional
Strokes
Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#18492Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 狭隘

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Podcast: 狭隘

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AI Study Notes for 狭隘

Quick Contrast

狭窄 (xiázhǎi) - use '狭隘' when emphasizing a narrow-minded attitude, while '狭窄' focuses on physical narrowness.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a narrow alley where two people struggle to pass each other, representing '狭' (narrow) and '隘' (tight). Think of 'xia' as 'shy' people who can't see beyond their own narrow views, and 'ai' as 'eye'—the idea that they are missing a broader perspective.

Usage Notes

This word is often used in formal contexts to describe attitudes or environments. Be careful not to confuse it with similar sounding words; for example, '狭' (narrow) focuses on physical aspects, while '狭隘' emphasizes a lack of openness in thoughts. Common collocations include '狭隘的观点' (narrow-minded viewpoint).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, '狭隘' connects well with other words describing attitudes or perspectives, such as '开放' (open-minded) and '宽广' (broad). Students should focus on understanding its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being '狭隘' is often viewed negatively, as there is a strong emphasis on harmony and broad-mindedness in social interactions. In literature, characters exhibiting '狭隘' qualities are typically depicted as lacking wisdom or insight.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '狭隘' with '狭窄' (xiázhǎi), which only refers to physical narrowness. For example, saying '他是一个狭窄的人' (He is a narrow person) is incorrect; use '狭隘' to imply narrow-mindedness instead.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 狭隘

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Component Characters

xiánarrow
9 strokes
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àipass
12 strokes
View full entry

Write 狭隘

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

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Grammar Patterns of 狭隘

狭隘 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高,not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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 3

Complete the Sentence

这实质上是一种____的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。

It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.

Example Sentences for 狭隘 (3)

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1
这实质上是一种狭隘的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。

zhè shí zhì shàng shì yī zhǒng xiá ài de、 、 yīn xún shǒu jiù de zhào gù hái zǐ de fāng。

It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
2
他们的判断是基于一种狭隘的世界观。

tā mén de pàn duàn shì jī yú yī zhǒng xiá ài de shì jiè guān。

They're making judgments based on a narrowly focused vision of the world.
3
狭隘自私的行为最终会自拆台脚。

xiá ài zì sī de háng wéi zuì zhōng huì zì chāi tái jiǎo。

Narrowly self-interested behaviour is ultimately self-defeating.

Cultural Notes for 狭隘

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, being '狭隘' is often viewed negatively, as there is a strong emphasis on harmony and broad-mindedness in social interactions. In literature, characters exhibiting '狭隘' qualities are typically depicted as lacking wisdom or insight.

Frequently Asked Questions about 狭隘

'狭隘' can describe physical spaces, but it is more commonly used metaphorically to refer to narrow-mindedness.