unknown, 16 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #32201, Very Hard
瓢
piáo
ladle
unknown, 16 strokes, radical 瓜, rank #32201, Very Hard
piáo(piao2) T2
1a ladle made from a dried gourd
2dipper
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March 24, 2026
瓢piáo(piao2)
The character 瓢 (piáo) refers to a type of ladle or dipper traditionally made from a dried gourd. It is commonly used in cooking and serving liquids, such as soups or sauces, and is a practical tool in both historical and modern Chinese kitchens.
Strokes16Radical瓜Frequency#32201DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, using a gourd as a ladle reflects resourcefulness and a connection to nature, as many household items were made from natural materials. This practice ties into the broader cultural appreciation for sustainability.
Memory Tip
Imagine a gourd (the shape of 瓢) being hollowed out to create a ladle. The top part of the character resembles the curve of a ladle, while the bottom suggests its handle. Picture yourself using this gourd ladle to serve soup, and remember the sound 'piáo' as you pour.
Meanings of 瓢
piáo(piao2)
1a ladle made from a dried gourd
2dipper
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 瓢
瓢Simplified
16Strokes
瓜Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 瓢
Podcast: 瓢
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AI Study Notes for 瓢
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a gourd (the shape of 瓢) being hollowed out to create a ladle. The top part of the character resembles the curve of a ladle, while the bottom suggests its handle. Picture yourself using this gourd ladle to serve soup, and remember the sound 'piáo' as you pour.
Usage Notes
When using 瓢 in conversation, be mindful that it can sound informal, so it’s best suited for everyday contexts rather than formal writing. A common mistake is confusing it with similar characters like 勺 (sháo), which means 'spoon'. Ensure you use the correct word based on the utensil you’re referring to.
HSK Study Tips
While 瓢 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, it can be relevant for learners interested in cooking-related terms. Students should focus on related utensils like 勺 (sháo) and 叉 (chā), which are also common in kitchen discussions.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, using a gourd as a ladle reflects resourcefulness and a connection to nature, as many household items were made from natural materials. This practice ties into the broader cultural appreciation for sustainability.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 瓢 as 'piǎo' instead of the correct 'piáo'. Additionally, some confuse it with 勺 (sháo), leading to incorrect usage in context; always clarify whether you're referring to a ladle or a spoon.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 瓢
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Grammar Patterns of 瓢
瓢 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 3 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
下了一上午的____泼大雨, 后来才转晴.
It poured all morning, but turned fine later.
Example Sentences for 瓢 (4)
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1
下了一上午的瓢泼大雨, 后来才转晴.
xià le yī shàng wǔ de piáo pō dà yǔ, , hòu lái cái zhuǎn.
It rained and dogs night, but cleared up in the morning.
3
汤姆奚落了他一番,给他兜头泼了瓢冷水.
tāng mǔ xī luò le tā yī fān, , gěi tā dōu tóu pō le piáo lěng.
Tom withered him with derision!
4
甚至秃光瓢也太红了一些.
shèn zhì tū guāng piáo yě tài hóng le yī xiē.
Even the bald scalp was too deep a pink.
Cultural Notes for 瓢
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, using a gourd as a ladle reflects resourcefulness and a connection to nature, as many household items were made from natural materials. This practice ties into the broader cultural appreciation for sustainability.
Word Family of 瓢
Words Containing This Character6
瓢piáodipper
瓢虫ladybug瓢蟲
瓢泼大雨downpour (idiom)瓢潑大雨
照葫芦画瓢fig. to copy slavishly照葫蘆畫瓢
瓢泼(of rain) pouring瓢潑
按下葫芦浮起瓢solve one problem only to find another cropping up按下葫蘆浮起瓢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 瓢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 瓢
瓢 refers specifically to a ladle made from a gourd, while 勺 is a general term for a spoon.
While less common now, some people still use gourd ladles for traditional recipes or in rural areas.
Typically, 瓢 is used literally to refer to the utensil, but it can be used metaphorically to discuss serving or pouring.
