Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
狭(狹)xiá(xia2)
The character 狭 (xiá) means 'narrow' and can also describe a limited viewpoint or perspective, often referred to as 'narrow-minded.' It is commonly used in both physical contexts, like describing spaces, and metaphorical contexts, such as opinions or attitudes.
Strokes9Radical犭Frequency#15025DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being described as 狭-minded (狭隘) is often viewed negatively, as it reflects a lack of openness to diverse ideas and perspectives, which can be important in social and professional interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a narrow alley (狭) where only one person can pass through at a time. The character has the radical 犬 (dog) on the left, hinting at the idea of a dog being trapped in a narrow space, while the right side can remind you of a small area.
Meanings of 狭
xiá(xia2)
1narrow
2narrow-minded
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 狭
狭Simplified
狹Traditional
9Strokes
犭Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#15025Frequency Rank
Podcast: 狭
Podcast: 狭
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 狭
Quick Contrast
狭 (narrow) vs 窄 (narrow, tight) — use 狭 when describing limited viewpoints or perspectives, while 窄 is more commonly used for physical dimensions.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 狭 (narrow) with 宽 (kuān, wide). This character is used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to appear in academic or literary discussions when referring to viewpoints. Pay attention to tone; xiá is pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 狭 is not officially listed in the HSK levels, it's useful for learners at HSK 3-4, particularly when studying adjectives. Focus on using it in sentences that describe both physical spaces and abstract ideas, linking it with other adjectives like 宽 (wide).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 狭 with the similar-sounding word 霞 (xiá, rosy clouds). For example, saying '这条路很霞' (This road is very rosy) is incorrect; it should be '这条路很狭' (This road is very narrow).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狭
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 狭 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 夹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 狹.
1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
2The sound half夹 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaydog
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 狭? 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 狭?
Decomposition of 狭
IDS Structure⿰犭夹
狭Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
夹jia1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 狭?
How to say narrow in Chinese
“narrow” in Chinese is狭xiá
The character 狭 (xiá) means 'narrow' and can also describe a limited viewpoint or perspective, often referred to as 'narrow-minded.' It is commonly used in both physical contexts, like describing spaces, and metaphorical contexts, such as opinions or attitudes.
When to use 狭
Be careful not to confuse 狭 (narrow) with 宽 (kuān, wide). This character is used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to appear in academic or literary discussions when referring to viewpoints. Pay attention to tone; xiá is pronounced with a rising tone.
狭 or something close to it
狭 (narrow) vs 窄 (narrow, tight) — use 狭 when describing limited viewpoints or perspectives, while 窄 is more commonly used for physical dimensions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 狭 with the similar-sounding word 霞 (xiá, rosy clouds). For example, saying '这条路很霞' (This road is very rosy) is incorrect; it should be '这条路很狭' (This road is very narrow).
Write 狭
狭
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 狭 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 狭
狭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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 4
Complete the Sentence
在这条____窄的走廊上，不断有人撞到我。
Various men kept banging into me in the narrow corridor.
