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殽 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
殽xiáocooked meat; confused, mixed upzg, 12 strokes, radical 殳
xiáo(xiao2) T2
  1. 1cooked meat; confused, mixed up
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March 24, 2026

殽xiáo(xiao2)

The character 殽 (xiáo) primarily refers to cooked meat, often indicating a type of meat dish or preparation. It can also imply a state of confusion or being mixed up, highlighting the duality in its meaning that connects food with disarray. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more relevant in specific culinary contexts or literary references.

Strokes12Radical殳
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese cuisine, the preparation of cooked meat often involves complex techniques and flavors, which can lead to a 'confused' mixture of tastes, much like the dual meaning of this character. This reflects the importance of balance and harmony in Chinese cooking.

Memory Tip

Imagine a chef (the radical 殳) who is so confused while cooking that he accidentally mixes up all the ingredients, resulting in a confusing dish of cooked meat. Associate the sound 'xiáo' with the chaos in the kitchen as you picture the chef trying to salvage his meal.

Meanings of 殽

xiáo(xiao2)
1cooked meat; confused, mixed up
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 殽

殽Simplified
12Strokes
殳Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 殽

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Podcast: 殽

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AI Study Notes for 殽

Usage Notes

This character is not frequently used in modern Mandarin, leading to potential confusion among learners. It is more common in literary texts or specific culinary discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the second tone is clear to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

As 殽 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, students should focus on related words for meat (like 肉, ròu) and confusion (like 混乱, hùnluàn) at HSK Level 3. Understanding this character’s context can enhance vocabulary around food and states of being.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 殽 with similar characters like 骚 (sāo), which means 'to disturb' or 'to confuse'. Remember that 殽 specifically relates to cooked meat and is less about general confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 殽

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Etymology of 殽

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 殽

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

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Decomposition of 殽

IDS Structure⿰肴殳
殽Full Character
=
肴yao2
left
殳Shu1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 殽?

How to say cooked meat; confused, mixed up in Chinese

“cooked meat; confused, mixed up” in Chinese is殽xiáo

The character 殽 (xiáo) primarily refers to cooked meat, often indicating a type of meat dish or preparation. It can also imply a state of confusion or being mixed up, highlighting the duality in its meaning that connects food with disarray. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation, making it more relevant in specific culinary contexts or literary references.

When to use 殽

This character is not frequently used in modern Mandarin, leading to potential confusion among learners. It is more common in literary texts or specific culinary discussions. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the second tone is clear to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 殽 with similar characters like 骚 (sāo), which means 'to disturb' or 'to confuse'. Remember that 殽 specifically relates to cooked meat and is less about general confusion.

Write 殽

殽

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

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Word Family of 殽

Words Containing This Character6
混淆hùnxiáoto obscure
混淆视听to obscure the facts (idiom); to mislead the public with prevarication and deliberate falsehoods混淆視聽
混淆是非to confuse right and wrong (idiom)
淆xiáomixed
混淆黑白to confuse black and white
淆乱to confuse淆亂
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 混淆 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 殽

It is pronounced as 'xiáo' with the second tone.

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