Meanings of 竅
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 竅
Podcast: 竅
Podcast: 竅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 竅
孔 (kǒng) vs 竅 (qiào): Use 竅 for openings that imply a sense of insight or understanding, while孔 typically refers to a physical hole or cavity.
Be mindful of the context when using 竅, as it can refer to both physical holes and metaphorical openings. It is generally informal; in a more technical or formal context, you might encounter other terms. Common collocations include '窍门' (qiàomén) meaning 'trick' or 'know-how.'
Although 竅 is not part of the HSK vocabulary lists, it can enrich your understanding of related terms at HSK 3 and above, such as '窍门' and '明白' (míngbái), which means 'to understand.' Focus on how it connects to discussions about understanding concepts.
Learners often confuse 竅 with the more general word for hole, '洞' (dòng). For example, saying '我有一个洞在这里' (wǒ yǒu yīgè dòng zài zhèlǐ) instead of using '竅' when referring to a specific opening in a tool or method is incorrect. Remember, use '竅' for specific contexts.
Pronunciation of 竅
Drill the tone of 竅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 竅
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 巧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 竅.
hole
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 竅
Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 巧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 竅.
- 1The meaning half穴 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half敫 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayhole
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 竅? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 竅?
Decomposition of 竅
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 竅?
How to say hole, opening, aperture in Chinese
“hole, opening, aperture” in Chinese is竅
The character 竅 (qiào) refers to a hole, opening, or aperture, often in a physical sense. It can describe various types of openings, such as those in objects, or metaphorically in contexts like having an understanding or insight into a situation.
When to use 竅
Be mindful of the context when using 竅, as it can refer to both physical holes and metaphorical openings. It is generally informal; in a more technical or formal context, you might encounter other terms. Common collocations include '窍门' (qiàomén) meaning 'trick' or 'know-how.'
竅 or something close to it
孔 (kǒng) vs 竅 (qiào): Use 竅 for openings that imply a sense of insight or understanding, while孔 typically refers to a physical hole or cavity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 竅 with the more general word for hole, '洞' (dòng). For example, saying '我有一个洞在这里' (wǒ yǒu yīgè dòng zài zhèlǐ) instead of using '竅' when referring to a specific opening in a tool or method is incorrect. Remember, use '竅' for specific contexts.
Write 竅
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 竅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 竅
Compound Meaning
What does 窍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 竅
Common phrases include '窍门' (qiàomén), meaning 'trick' or 'secret method,' and '窍' used in various compounds to refer to specific types of openings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 竅?
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.