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March 24, 2026
巢cháo(Chao2)
The character 巢 (cháo) primarily means 'nest' or 'dwelling,' often referring to the homes built by birds or other animals. In a broader context, it can also refer to living quarters in trees or similar structures. Additionally, it serves as a surname in Chinese culture.
Strokes11Radical巛Frequency#9428DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a nest (巢) ties closely to themes of family and safety, often symbolizing the nurturing environment that one provides for loved ones. The idea is reflected in various Chinese idioms and sayings that emphasize home and comfort.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird's nest high up in a tree (巢) where the birds are safe and cozy. The top part resembles a roof (the tree), and the bottom part is like a warm, welcoming space where they gather, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation (cháo).
Meanings of 巢
cháo(Chao2)
1nest
2nest, living quarters in tree
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 巢
巢Simplified
11Strokes
巛Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#9428Frequency Rank
Podcast: 巢
Podcast: 巢
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AI Study Notes for 巢
Quick Contrast
窝 (wō) - use 巢 (cháo) for nests built by birds or animals, while 窝 (wō) often refers to a den or lair, particularly for animals.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bird's nest high up in a tree (巢) where the birds are safe and cozy. The top part resembles a roof (the tree), and the bottom part is like a warm, welcoming space where they gather, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation (cháo).
Usage Notes
When using 巢 in conversation, be cautious about its context—it’s often used in informal settings. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; ensure you use it to describe nests or living spaces specifically. It frequently collocates with words like 鸟 (bird) to form 'bird's nest' (鸟巢).
HSK Study Tips
While 巢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be a useful addition to vocabulary about animals and nature. Students should focus on its use in context, especially when discussing habitats or homes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a nest (巢) ties closely to themes of family and safety, often symbolizing the nurturing environment that one provides for loved ones. The idea is reflected in various Chinese idioms and sayings that emphasize home and comfort.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 巢 with similar characters like 超 (chāo), which means 'to surpass'. For example, saying '我有一个超' (I have a surpass) instead of '我有一个巢' (I have a nest) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巢
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Grammar Patterns of 巢
巢 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 3 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
最好能克制住好奇心，不要去碰鸟____。
It is best to stifle curiosity and leave birds' nests alone.
As soon as the two chicks hatch, they leave the nest burrow.
7
在树分岔的地方有个鸟巢.
zài shù fēn chà de dì fāng yǒu gè niǎo cháo.
There's a bird's nest in the place where the branch forks.
8
黑鹂巢里有四个蛋.
hēi lí cháo lǐ yǒu sì gè dàn.
The blackbird's nest contained four eggs.
9
鸽子从百英里之外返回窝巢.
gē zǐ cóng bǎi yīng lǐ zhī wài fǎn huí wō cháo.
The pigeon homed from a distance of 100 miles.
10
上的刻痕.有一幅图画描绘了两个男人正在烟薰蜂巢的情景.
shàng de kè hén. . yǒu yī fú tú huà miáo huì le liǎng gè nán rén zhèng zài yān xūn fēng cháo de qíng.
One drawing shows two men smoking out a bees'nest.
Cultural Notes for 巢
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of a nest (巢) ties closely to themes of family and safety, often symbolizing the nurturing environment that one provides for loved ones. The idea is reflected in various Chinese idioms and sayings that emphasize home and comfort.
Word Family of 巢
Compounds14
剿chao1to annihilate, to destroy, to exterminate
摷
璅
缫sao1to draw, to reel in
鏁
隟
勦chao1to annihilate, to destroy, to exterminate
樔
漅
窼
繅
罺
轈
鄛
Words Containing This Character20
巢cháonest
卵巢ovary
巢穴cháoxuélair
鸟巢niǎocháobird's nest鳥巢
蜂巢beehive
巢湖Chaohu lake
巢湖市Chaohu prefecture-level city in Anhui
倾巢而出the whole nest came out (idiom); to turn out in full strength傾巢而出
雀巢Nestlé
窝巢nest窩巢
倾巢lit. the whole nest came out (to fight us)傾巢
居巢区Juchao district of Chaohu city 巢湖市[Cháohúshì], Anhui居巢區
精巢testes
黄巢起义Huang Chao peasant uprising 875-884 in late Tang, led by Huang Chao黃巢起義
营巢to nest營巢
居巢Juchao district of Chaohu city 巢湖[Cháohú], Anhui
鹊巢鸠占to reap where one has not sown鵲巢鳩占
巢湖地区Chaohu prefecture, Anhui巢湖地區
覆巢之下无完卵lit. when the nest is upset no egg is left intact (idiom)覆巢之下無完卵
倾巢来犯to turn out in force ready to attack (idiom)傾巢來犯
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 剿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 巢
In addition to 'nest', 巢 can also mean living quarters or serve as a surname.
It is pronounced as 'cháo', with a rising tone.
While typically informal, it can appear in descriptive writing about nature or in literary contexts.
