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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 狭 means.
About 狭
狭Simplified
狹Traditional
9Strokes
犭Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#15025Frequency Rank
Podcast: 狭
Podcast: 狭
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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
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How Well Do You Know 狭?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 狭 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.
狭 = 犭 + 夹. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 狭
IDS Structure⿰犭夹
狭Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
夹jia1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part 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
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Practice writing 狭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
