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栲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
栲kǎomangroven, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #78714, Very Hard
栲kǎochinquapin (Castanopsis fargesii and other spp.), genus of evergreen treesunknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #78714, Very Hard
kǎo(kao3) T3
  1. 1mangrove
  2. 2chinquapin (Castanopsis fargesii and other spp.), genus of evergreen trees
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

栲kǎo(kao3)

The character 栲 (kǎo) refers to a specific type of tree known as the chinquapin, belonging to the Castanopsis genus, which includes evergreen trees. It is often associated with mangrove ecosystems, where these trees thrive in coastal regions. This term is primarily used in botanical contexts and discussions about flora.

Strokes10Radical木Frequency#78714DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, mangroves are significant for coastal protection and biodiversity. The presence of trees like 栲 reflects the importance of preserving natural habitats in Chinese conservation efforts.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'kǎo' tree standing tall in a mangrove swamp, with its roots gripping the muddy ground. The character 栲 resembles a tree (the radical 木) with a 'mouth' (口) at the bottom, symbolizing the tree’s connection to the earth and water, essential for mangroves.

Meanings of 栲

kǎo(kao3)
1mangrove
2chinquapin (Castanopsis fargesii and other spp.), genus of evergreen trees
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 栲

栲Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 栲

JasonAmy

Podcast: 栲

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AI Study Notes for 栲

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 栲 with similar-sounding characters that denote different types of trees or plants. This word is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in botany or environmental discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can lead to confusion with other characters.

HSK Study Tips

Although 栲 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance knowledge of botanical terms related to HSK level 3 and above. Students should focus on recognizing similar tree-related characters and their usage in environmental contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 栲 with 栏 (lán), which means 'railing' or 'fence.' To avoid this mistake, remember that 栲 is related to trees while 栏 pertains to structures. It's also common to mispronounce it with the wrong tone, such as 'kao' instead of 'kǎo.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 栲

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Etymology of 栲

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

tree

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)考
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 栲

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half考 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaytree
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 栲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 栲?

Decomposition of 栲

IDS Structure⿰木考
栲Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
考kao3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 栲?

How to say mangrove in Chinese

“mangrove” in Chinese is栲kǎo

The character 栲 (kǎo) refers to a specific type of tree known as the chinquapin, belonging to the Castanopsis genus, which includes evergreen trees. It is often associated with mangrove ecosystems, where these trees thrive in coastal regions. This term is primarily used in botanical contexts and discussions about flora.

When to use 栲

Common mistakes include confusing 栲 with similar-sounding characters that denote different types of trees or plants. This word is generally used in formal contexts, particularly in botany or environmental discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can lead to confusion with other characters.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 栲 with 栏 (lán), which means 'railing' or 'fence.' To avoid this mistake, remember that 栲 is related to trees while 栏 pertains to structures. It's also common to mispronounce it with the wrong tone, such as 'kao' instead of 'kǎo.'

Write 栲

栲

Practice writing 栲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 栲

Words Containing This Character1
栲kǎochinquapin (Castanopsis fargesii and other spp.), genus of evergreen trees
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 栲 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 栲

栲 refers to chinquapin trees, which are evergreen trees native to certain regions.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 栲?

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.