mysterious, obscure, profound; used in transliterations
nr, 12 strokes, radical 大, rank #2248, Hard
奥
ào
abbr. for 奧地利|奥地利[Ao4 di4 li4]
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 大, rank #2248, Hard
奥
ào
abbr. for 奧林匹克|奥林匹克[Ao4 lin2 pi3 ke4]
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 大, rank #2248, Hard
ào(Ao4) T4
1Austria
2Austrian
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March 24, 2026
奥(奧)ào(Ao4)
The character 奥 (ào) primarily refers to Austria, its culture, and its people. It can also denote the Olympic Games, embodying the concepts of obscurity and profundity, often used in contexts that suggest depth or mystery.
Strokes12Radical大Frequency#2248DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the term 奥 also reflects the country's interest in international events like the Olympics, highlighting the significance of athletic competition and national pride.
Memory Tip
Imagine an 'A' for Austria hidden behind a thick curtain (the character's form), suggesting something obscure or mysterious. The 'A' sound in 'ào' can help you remember that it relates to Austria and also the concept of the ‘Olympics’ which can be a grand, profound event.
Meanings of 奥
ào(Ao4)
1Austria
2Austrian
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 奥
奥Simplified
奧Traditional
12Strokes
大Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#2248Frequency Rank
Podcast: 奥
Podcast: 奥
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AI Study Notes for 奥
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine an 'A' for Austria hidden behind a thick curtain (the character's form), suggesting something obscure or mysterious. The 'A' sound in 'ào' can help you remember that it relates to Austria and also the concept of the ‘Olympics’ which can be a grand, profound event.
Usage Notes
奥 is typically used in formal contexts when referring to Austria or the Olympics. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding characters, so pay attention to tone. Remember that it can also imply something deep or mysterious in literature.
HSK Study Tips
Although 奥 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to countries and events. Students should focus on its pronunciation and context in relation to geography and cultural references.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the term 奥 also reflects the country's interest in international events like the Olympics, highlighting the significance of athletic competition and national pride.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say 'ào' with a rising tone instead of the correct falling tone. For instance, saying 'áo' instead of 'ào' can change the meaning entirely.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 奥
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Grammar Patterns of 奥
奥 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 13 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
____尔特曼制造的一些紧张氛围开始缓解。
Some of the tension Altman builds up starts to sag.
Example Sentences for 奥 (10)
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1
奥尔特曼制造的一些紧张氛围开始缓解。
ào ěr tè màn zhì zào de yī xiē jǐn zhāng fēn wéi kāi shǐ huǎn jiě。
Some of the tension Altman builds up starts to sag.
The leggy beauty was none other than our own Naomi Campbell.
8
这位网球明星与他的奥地利教练分道扬镳。
zhè wèi wǎng qiú míng xīng yǔ tā de ào dì lì jiào liàn fēn dào yáng biāo。
The tennis star has parted company with his Austrian trainer.
9
别人给娜奥米一匹小型马并教会她如何侧骑马。
bié rén gěi nà ào mǐ yī pǐ xiǎo xíng mǎ bìng jiào huì tā rú hé cè qí mǎ。
Naomi was given a pony and taught to ride side-saddle.
10
在世界体坛上，一枚奥运会金牌是最令人向往的奖项。
zài shì jiè tǐ tán shàng， ， yī méi ào yùn huì jīn pái shì zuì líng rén xiàng wǎng de jiǎng。
An Olympic gold medal is the most sought-after prize in world sport.
Cultural Notes for 奥
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the term 奥 also reflects the country's interest in international events like the Olympics, highlighting the significance of athletic competition and national pride.
Word Family of 奥
Compounds6
澳Ao4bay, cove, dock, inlet
燠yu4warm; warmth
隩
礇
襖ao3coat, jacket, outerware
鐭
Words Containing This Character18
奥àoAustria奧
奥运Olympic Games奧運
奥运会àoyùnhuìOlympic Games奧運會
奥斯卡(name) Oscar奧斯卡
奥迪Audi奧迪
奥地利Austria奧地利
奥林匹克Olympic奧林匹克
新奥尔良New Orleans, Louisiana新奧爾良
奥斯汀Austin, Texas奧斯汀
奥委会Olympic committee奧委會
冬奥会Winter Olympics冬奧會
奥秘àomìsecret奧祕
深奥shēnàoprofound深奧
奥克兰Auckland (New Zealand city)奧克蘭
奥妙marvelous奧妙
奥兰多Orlando奧蘭多
奥巴马Barack Obama (1961-), US Democrat politician, president 2009-2017奧巴馬
奥马哈Omaha奧馬哈
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 澳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奥
奥 refers to the Olympics, with 奥林匹克 being the full term for the Olympic Games.
奥 is pronounced as 'à' with a falling tone, so ensure to lower your pitch.
No, 奥 is used in formal contexts and should be avoided in casual conversation.
