Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
犰 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犰qiúarmadillox, 5 strokes, radical 犭
qiú(qiu2)qiu T2
  1. 1armadillo
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

犰qiú(qiu2)

The character 犰 (qiú) specifically refers to the armadillo, a nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive armor-like shell. In Chinese, this term is used mainly in zoological contexts and discussions about wildlife, particularly in reference to the animal's unique characteristics and habitats.

Strokes5Radical犭
Cultural note

The armadillo is not native to China, so the character may not have deep cultural significance. However, it can be mentioned in discussions about biodiversity and conservation, reflecting global wildlife concerns.

Memory tip

Imagine an armadillo curling up into a ball, with its shell resembling a small fortress. The shape of the character 犰 can remind you of its protective shell, while 'qiú' sounds like 'cue'—a hint to remember that this animal cues its defense mechanism by rolling up.

Meanings of 犰

qiú(qiu2)
1armadillo
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 犰 means.

About 犰

犰Simplified
5Strokes
犭Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 犰

JasonAmy

Podcast: 犰

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 犰

Usage Notes

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more likely to appear in scientific or educational texts. It is important to note the correct pronunciation, as mispronouncing 'qiú' can lead to confusion with other similar sounding words. Collocations include terms related to wildlife and nature.

HSK Study Tips

While 犰 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to the study of animals and nature, which is relevant for learners exploring HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on context and usage in conversations about animals to enhance your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 犰 with other animal characters due to similar pronunciations. For instance, saying 'qǔ' instead of 'qiú' can lead to misunderstandings. Always practice the correct tone to avoid errors.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犰

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 犰 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 犰 to You

Let me explain 犰 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 犰 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 犰?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 犰 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
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 犰

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

animal

Semantic (meaning)犭
+
Phonetic (sound)九
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

犰 = 犭 + 九. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 犰

IDS Structure⿰犭九
犰Full character
=
犭quan3
left
九jiu3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 犰?

How to say armadillo in Chinese

“armadillo” in Chinese is犰qiú

The character 犰 (qiú) specifically refers to the armadillo, a nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive armor-like shell. In Chinese, this term is used mainly in zoological contexts and discussions about wildlife, particularly in reference to the animal's unique characteristics and habitats.

When to use 犰

This character is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more likely to appear in scientific or educational texts. It is important to note the correct pronunciation, as mispronouncing 'qiú' can lead to confusion with other similar sounding words. Collocations include terms related to wildlife and nature.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 犰 with other animal characters due to similar pronunciations. For instance, saying 'qǔ' instead of 'qiú' can lead to misunderstandings. Always practice the correct tone to avoid errors.

Write 犰

犰

Practice writing 犰 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 犰

犰 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

____狳有角质鳞片的护甲.

The armadillo has a protective shell of bony plates.

Example Sentences for 犰 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
犰狳有角质鳞片的护甲.

qiú yú yǒu jiǎo zhì lín piàn de hù jiǎ.

The armadillo has a protective shell of bony plates.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 犰?

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 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 犰

Words containing this character2
犰狳armadillo
犰qiúarmadillo
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 犰

What does 犰狳 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 犰

It means 'armadillo', referring to the mammal known for its protective shell.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 犰?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab