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March 24, 2026
尻kāo(kao1)
The character 尻 (kāo) refers to the lower back part of the body, specifically the buttocks or tailbone area. It can also describe the rear joint of an animal, particularly in culinary contexts. This term is commonly used in both informal and formal settings when discussing anatomy or cooking.
Strokes5Radical尸Frequency#22879DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, specific cuts of meat are often referred to using this character, emphasizing the importance of different parts of an animal in cooking. For instance, dishes that feature the tail or rear cuts are considered delicacies in various regional cuisines.
Memory Tip
Think of 尻 as a 'tail' (the radical on top resembles a tail) that connects to the 'bottom' (the radical below). Imagine a tail hanging down from the rear end of an animal, reminding you of both the anatomical and culinary meanings. The sound 'kāo' can be linked to the English word 'cow', which has a prominent rear end.
Meanings of 尻
kāo(kao1)
1end of spine; buttocks, sacrum
2coccyx
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 尻
尻Simplified
5Strokes
尸Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 尻
Podcast: 尻
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AI Study Notes for 尻
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 尻 as a 'tail' (the radical on top resembles a tail) that connects to the 'bottom' (the radical below). Imagine a tail hanging down from the rear end of an animal, reminding you of both the anatomical and culinary meanings. The sound 'kāo' can be linked to the English word 'cow', which has a prominent rear end.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing kāo, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. It's often used in informal contexts, but can also appear in medical discussions. Common collocations include 尻部 (kāobù), meaning 'buttocks area', and 尻尾 (shūbiǎo), meaning 'tail' (where the character changes).
HSK Study Tips
While 尻 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance your grasp of anatomical terms. It connects with other body-related words like 背 (bèi, back) and 腰 (yāo, waist). Focus on the pronunciation and application in context, especially in everyday conversations about health or animals.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cuisine, specific cuts of meat are often referred to using this character, emphasizing the importance of different parts of an animal in cooking. For instance, dishes that feature the tail or rear cuts are considered delicacies in various regional cuisines.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 尻 with similar-sounding words, such as 喝 (hē, to drink) due to tonal similarities. Ensure you practice the correct tone to avoid this confusion.
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Pronunciation of 尻
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Cultural Notes for 尻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cuisine, specific cuts of meat are often referred to using this character, emphasizing the importance of different parts of an animal in cooking. For instance, dishes that feature the tail or rear cuts are considered delicacies in various regional cuisines.
Word Family of 尻
Words Containing This Character1
尻kāococcyx
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 尻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 尻
Common phrases include 尻部 (kāobù) for 'buttocks' and 尻尾 (shūbiǎo) for 'tail', which highlight its anatomical significance.
No, 尻 is not vulgar, but its usage can be informal. In medical contexts, it is appropriate, while in casual conversation, it may be seen as less polite depending on the company.
The correct pronunciation is kāo, with a high tone. Practice saying it alongside similar body part words to get comfortable with the tonal differences.