Meanings of 脚
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About 脚
Podcast: 脚
Podcast: 脚
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AI Study Notes for 脚
脚 (jiǎo) vs 足 (zú) — use 脚 for physical feet and 足 for the concept of sufficiency or completeness.
Imagine a giant foot (脚) standing on a 'jiao' (sounds like 'jiǎo') of a mountain. The foot supports the entire mountain, just like a foundation supports a building. The character itself has a foot radical (足), representing its meaning.
Be cautious with tone when pronouncing '脚' as 'jiǎo' to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in health discussions or while talking about sports. Common collocations include '脚痛' (foot pain) and '脚步' (footsteps).
As an HSK Level 3 word, '脚' connects well with other body-related vocabulary like '手' (hand) and '头' (head). Students should focus on using it in phrases and contexts to reinforce its meaning and improve fluency.
In Chinese culture, the concept of feet is often associated with traditional practices such as foot massage and acupressure, which are believed to promote health and well-being. Footwear, especially in urban areas, has cultural significance reflecting personal style and social status.
Learners often confuse 脚 (jiǎo) with 角 (jué) due to their similar pronunciations and spelling. For example, saying '我的角疼' instead of '我的脚疼' (My foot hurts) is incorrect; remember that '脚' refers to the foot.
Pronunciation of 脚
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Etymology of 脚
Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 却 represents the sound. Simplified form of 腳.
flesh
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 脚?
Decomposition of 脚
Identify the Components
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Write 脚
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Practice writing 脚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 脚
脚 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.
Complete the Sentence
他花钱大手大____的，很快就把钱花完了。
He spends money extravagantly and quickly used it all up.
Common Confusions with 脚
Similar sound and shape, but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "foot"?
Usage Notes for 脚
Learners often confuse 脚 (foot) with other body parts like 手 (hand).
我用脚踢球。
I kick the ball with my foot.
Fill in the Blank
我用____踢球。
I kick the ball with my foot.
Example Sentences for 脚 (10)
Cultural Notes for 脚
在中国，脚被认为是一个非常重要的身体部位。很多传统中，脚部护理被视为健康的关键，例如足浴和足疗，在一些城市非常流行。
In Chinese culture, the concept of feet is often associated with traditional practices such as foot massage and acupressure, which are believed to promote health and well-being. Footwear, especially in urban areas, has cultural significance reflecting personal style and social status.
‘千里之行，始于足下’是一句著名的中国谚语，意思是伟大的旅程始于第一步，强调了脚的重要性。
In Western cultures, feet are often seen merely as functional body parts, while in Chinese culture, they can be a part of wellness practices and are associated with personal care and health.
Word Family of 脚
Compound Meaning
What does 脚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 脚
Yes, 脚 (jiǎo) can refer to the legs of animals or objects, and it can also describe the base of certain items. Additionally, it serves as a classifier for kicks in sports.