Meanings of 枭
By ear
Play it, then pick what 枭 means.
About 枭
Podcast: 枭
Podcast: 枭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 枭
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 枭, as ‘xiāo’ has a high level tone that can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is more formal and may be less commonly used in everyday conversation, often appearing in literary or poetic contexts. Common collocations include '枭雄' (xiāo xióng), meaning a 'valiant hero' or 'tyrant.'
While 枭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other HSK words describing animals or character traits. Students should focus on understanding how this character fits into broader themes of nature and morality in Chinese literature, which often features animals symbolically.
Learners often confuse 枭 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with 雄 (xióng), which means 'hero' or 'male,' is common. Remember that 枭 specifically refers to an owl and can have negative connotations.
Pronunciation of 枭
Drill the tone of 枭, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 枭 to you
Let me explain 枭 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 枭 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 枭?
Learning Lab
Knowing 枭 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 枭
A bird 鸟 roosting in a tree 木
Origin
What kind of character is 枭?
Decomposition of 枭
Parts
Which of these is part of 枭?
How to say owl; evil; brave in Chinese
“owl; evil; brave” in Chinese is枭
The character 枭 (xiāo) primarily refers to an 'owl,' which is often associated with wisdom and mystery in various cultures. In a more nuanced context, it can also imply qualities such as bravery or valiance, and it has a negative connotation when referring to a 'trafficker' or someone who engages in nefarious activities.
When to use 枭
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 枭, as ‘xiāo’ has a high level tone that can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is more formal and may be less commonly used in everyday conversation, often appearing in literary or poetic contexts. Common collocations include '枭雄' (xiāo xióng), meaning a 'valiant hero' or 'tyrant.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 枭 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with 雄 (xióng), which means 'hero' or 'male,' is common. Remember that 枭 specifically refers to an owl and can have negative connotations.
Write 枭
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 枭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 枭?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 枭
In Western cultures, owls are often viewed purely as symbols of wisdom, while in Chinese culture, they embody a more complex mix of traits including both wisdom and malevolence.
Word Family of 枭
Words with 枭
What does 毒枭 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 枭
The primary meaning of 枭 is 'owl,' but it can also refer to someone who is brave or a trafficker.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 枭?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.