HSK 6, ng, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #25844, Hard
梢
shāo
the tip of a branch; rudder
HSK 6, ng, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #25844, Hard
shāo(shao1) T1
1tip of branch
2the tip of a branch; rudder
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
梢shāo(shao1)
The character 梢 (shāo) refers to the tip of a branch, often used in the context of trees or plants. It can also denote the rudder of a boat, emphasizing control and direction. This word is commonly used in literature and discussions about nature, as well as in nautical contexts.
Strokes11Radical木Frequency#25844DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of trees and their branches is often associated with growth and renewal, making 梢 a symbol of potential and direction. Additionally, the use of a rudder is crucial in Chinese maritime history, symbolizing guidance and control.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall tree with a tiny bird perched at the very tip of the branch (梢). The left component 木 (wood) represents the tree, while the right side, 小 (small), suggests the small size of the tip. Picture the bird using its small size to balance perfectly on the delicate tip of the branch, reminding you of the pronunciation 'shāo'.
Meanings of 梢
shāo(shao1)
1tip of branch
2the tip of a branch; rudder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 梢
梢Simplified
11Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#25844Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 梢
Podcast: 梢
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 梢
Quick Contrast
枝 (zhī) - use 梢 (shāo) when referring specifically to the tip of a branch, while 枝 (zhī) refers more generally to a branch itself.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 梢 (shāo) with similar-sounding characters like 霄 (xiāo), which means sky. This term is more formal and often appears in written texts rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include 梢头 (tip of the branch) and 船舵 (ship's rudder).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 梢 (shāo) connects well with other nature-related vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences that describe trees or navigation, as this will help reinforce your understanding of its context and usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 梢 (shāo) with 头 (tóu) meaning 'head' or 'tip' in a general sense. For example, saying '树头' (shù tóu) instead of '树梢' (shù shāo) is incorrect when specifically referring to the tip of a branch.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 梢
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 梢 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 肖 represents the sound.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half肖 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaytree
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 梢? 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 梢?
Decomposition of 梢
IDS Structure⿰木肖
梢Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
肖Xiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 梢?
How to say tip of branch in Chinese
“tip of branch” in Chinese is梢shāo
The character 梢 (shāo) refers to the tip of a branch, often used in the context of trees or plants. It can also denote the rudder of a boat, emphasizing control and direction. This word is commonly used in literature and discussions about nature, as well as in nautical contexts.
When to use 梢
Be careful not to confuse 梢 (shāo) with similar-sounding characters like 霄 (xiāo), which means sky. This term is more formal and often appears in written texts rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include 梢头 (tip of the branch) and 船舵 (ship's rudder).
梢 or something close to it
枝 (zhī) - use 梢 (shāo) when referring specifically to the tip of a branch, while 枝 (zhī) refers more generally to a branch itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 梢 (shāo) with 头 (tóu) meaning 'head' or 'tip' in a general sense. For example, saying '树头' (shù tóu) instead of '树梢' (shù shāo) is incorrect when specifically referring to the tip of a branch.
Write 梢
梢
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 梢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 梢
梢 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 2 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
老伙计，只不过又是一份盯____的活。对你这样的人来说还不是小菜一碟。
Just another surveillance job, old chap. Piece of cake to somebody like you.
