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March 24, 2026
妖yāo(yao1)
The character 妖 (yāo) refers to beings or phenomena that are strange, supernatural, or enchanting. It is often used to describe goblins, witches, or demons, showcasing a blend of allure and danger. In various contexts, it can connote something that is captivating yet potentially deceptive or malevolent.
Strokes7Radical女Frequency#6356DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese folklore, 妖 often appears in stories of ghosts and gods, representing the duality of attraction and danger in relationships and the supernatural. This character is frequently found in tales of mythical creatures and is integral to traditional Chinese storytelling.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mystical creature (妖) with an alluring charm that hides its devilish nature. The left part of the character (女) represents a woman, often associated with enchantment, while the right part (夭) evokes the idea of something unnatural or broken. Together, they symbolize a bewitching figure that is both beautiful and dangerous.
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AI Study Notes for 妖
Quick Contrast
妖 (yāo) vs 魅 (mèi) — choose 妖 when emphasizing the supernatural and potentially malevolent aspect, whereas 魅 focuses more on charm and allure without the same connotation of danger.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mystical creature (妖) with an alluring charm that hides its devilish nature. The left part of the character (女) represents a woman, often associated with enchantment, while the right part (夭) evokes the idea of something unnatural or broken. Together, they symbolize a bewitching figure that is both beautiful and dangerous.
Usage Notes
妖 is often used in literary or fantastical contexts rather than everyday conversation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding words, so learners should be careful with pronunciation and context. It is typically used in a more formal or narrative register.
HSK Study Tips
Though 妖 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words related to supernatural themes, like 鬼 (guǐ, ghost) and 魔 (mó, magic/devil). Students should focus on understanding its nuances in different contexts, especially in literature and folklore.
Cultural Note
In Chinese folklore, 妖 often appears in stories of ghosts and gods, representing the duality of attraction and danger in relationships and the supernatural. This character is frequently found in tales of mythical creatures and is integral to traditional Chinese storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 妖 with 妙 (miào, wonderful) due to their similar pronunciation. For instance, saying 妙 instead of 妖 when describing a captivating story can change the meaning significantly. Remember that 妖 carries a sense of enchantment that may also imply danger.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 妖
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Grammar Patterns of 妖
妖 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 7 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 5
Complete the Sentence
那件大衣使她显得十分____艳。
That coat made her look so tarty.
Example Sentences for 妖 (4)
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1
那件大衣使她显得十分妖艳。
nà jiàn dà yī shǐ tā xiǎn dé shí fēn yāo yàn。
That coat made her look so tarty.
2
首先, 英法两国教士将俄国东正教妖魔化为一种半异教信条.
shǒu xiān, , yīng fǎ liǎng guó jiào shì jiāng é guó dōng zhèng jiào yāo mó huà wéi yī zhǒng bàn yì jiào xìn.
First, British and French clerics demonised Russian Orthodoxy as a semi - pagan creed.
She rolled her eyes at him and smiled seductively.
Cultural Notes for 妖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese folklore, 妖 often appears in stories of ghosts and gods, representing the duality of attraction and danger in relationships and the supernatural. This character is frequently found in tales of mythical creatures and is integral to traditional Chinese storytelling.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
The concept of 妖 as a bewitching yet potentially dangerous being has parallels in Western culture with figures like sirens or succubi, though the cultural perceptions of these figures differ significantly.
Word Family of 妖
Words Containing This Character20
妖yāogoblin
妖精evil spirit
妖怪yāoguàimonster
妖孽evildoer
妖魔demon
妖娆enchanting妖嬈
妖艳pretty and flirtatious妖艷
妖术sorcery妖術
人妖transvestite
妖魔鬼怪demons and ghosts
妖人magician
妖气sinister appearance妖氣
妖媚seductive
妖风evil wind妖風
妖言heresy
照妖镜magic mirror for revealing goblins照妖鏡
妖冶pretty and flirtatious
妖邪evil monster
妖物monster
妖言惑众to delude the people with lies妖言惑眾
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 妖 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 妖
妖 refers to enchanting and supernatural beings, while 鬼 specifically denotes ghosts or spirits of the dead.
Yes, 妖 can describe a person who is alluring or enchanting, but it may also imply a sense of danger or deceit.
It is more commonly found in literature, folklore, and media rather than in everyday conversation.
