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March 24, 2026
俏qiào(qiao4)
The character 俏 (qiào) conveys the idea of being pretty or charming, often used to describe someone or something that is visually appealing. It can also imply a sense of high demand or popularity, particularly in the context of goods or fashion. In a more informal context, it may refer to food that has been seasoned or made more appealing.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#11038DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The character 俏 is often associated with traditional Chinese aesthetics that value beauty and charm, particularly in fashion and personal presentation. This emphasis is reflected in various cultural practices, such as festivals where people dress in their finest attire.
Memory Tip
Imagine a charming figure (the character 俏 looks like a person with a stylish hat) that turns heads wherever they go. The '人' (person) radical suggests beauty in people, while the '喬' component hints at something elevated or refined, like a charming personality that stands out.
Meanings of 俏
qiào(qiao4)
1to resemble; similar, alike; pretty
2good-looking
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 俏
俏Simplified
9Strokes
亻Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 俏
Podcast: 俏
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AI Study Notes for 俏
Quick Contrast
俏 (qiào) vs 漂亮 (piàoliang) — use 俏 for a more informal or trendy sense of charm, while 漂亮 is a more general term for beauty.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a charming figure (the character 俏 looks like a person with a stylish hat) that turns heads wherever they go. The '人' (person) radical suggests beauty in people, while the '喬' component hints at something elevated or refined, like a charming personality that stands out.
Usage Notes
While 俏 can be used informally to describe people, it is essential to use it appropriately in context, as it may not fit in more formal conversations. Common collocations include 俏丽 (qiàolì, beautiful) and 俏货 (qiàohuò, popular goods). Be careful with the tone; mixing it up can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
Although 俏 is not part of the official HSK levels, it shares thematic connections with adjectives describing appearance found in HSK 3 and 4. Students should focus on pronunciation and recognition of similar words that convey beauty and popularity.
Cultural Note
The character 俏 is often associated with traditional Chinese aesthetics that value beauty and charm, particularly in fashion and personal presentation. This emphasis is reflected in various cultural practices, such as festivals where people dress in their finest attire.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 俏 with 漂亮, using it in contexts where a straightforward term for beauty is more appropriate. For example, saying '这个衣服很俏' (This dress is very pretty) might sound odd; instead, use '这个衣服很漂亮'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俏
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Grammar Patterns of 俏
俏 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 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 4
Complete the Sentence
给人的印象是柔和____丽而不是吸人眼球的性感。
The effect is soft and pretty rather than drop-dead sexy.
Example Sentences for 俏 (8)
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1
给人的印象是柔和俏丽而不是吸人眼球的性感。
gěi rén de yìn xiàng shì róu hé qiào lì ér bù shì xī rén yǎn qiú de xìng gǎn。
The effect is soft and pretty rather than drop-dead sexy.
He is a master of the pun and the double entendre.
5
而真正使刘玉玲成名的还要算是1997年的影片《甜心俏佳人 》.
ér zhēn zhèng shǐ liú yù líng chéng míng de huán yào suàn shì1997 1997 nián de yǐng《 piàn 《 tián xīn qiào》.
In 1997, she landed her big break in " Ally McBeal ".
6
周仲伟 的话还没完, 徐曼丽 那红春春的俏脸儿陡的变了色.
zhōu zhòng wěi de huà huán méi, wán , xú màn lì nà hóng chūn chūn de qiào liǎn ér dǒu de.
Before Chou Chung - wei had finished what he was saying, Hsu Man - li's pretty face suddenly clouded over.
7
唯独她俏皮的眼神使事情露馅儿了。
wéi dú tā qiào pí de yǎn shén shǐ shì qíng lòu xiàn ér le。
The only giveaway was the look of amusement in her eyes.
8
冬日琼装玉琢, 俏丽媚人.
dōng rì qióng zhuāng yù zhuó, , qiào lì mèi.
In winter, the wintry snow scenes can be likened to an exquisite jade carving.
Cultural Notes for 俏
🏮Cultural insight
The character 俏 is often associated with traditional Chinese aesthetics that value beauty and charm, particularly in fashion and personal presentation. This emphasis is reflected in various cultural practices, such as festivals where people dress in their finest attire.
Word Family of 俏
Words Containing This Character12
俏qiàocharming
俏皮smart
俏皮话witticism俏皮話
俊俏jùnqiàocharming
俏丽handsome俏麗
紧俏(merchandise) in high demand緊俏
走俏to be in demand
打情骂俏to banter flirtatiously打情罵俏
俏美charming
俏货goods that sell well俏貨
老来俏mutton dressed as lamb老來俏
讨俏saucy討俏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 俏 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 俏
No, 俏 can also describe items or goods that are popular or in demand, such as trendy clothing.
It's more commonly used in informal settings, so it's best to avoid it in formal writing or speeches.
Both mean pretty, but 俏 carries a connotation of charm and popularity, while 漂亮 (piàoliang) is a more general term for beauty.
