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March 24, 2026
缭(繚)liáo(liao2)
The character 缭 (liáo) generally means to wind around or to bind, often in a context where something is entangled or confused. It can also refer to the action of sewing with slanting stitches, suggesting a technique that creates a winding or looping effect. This character is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often implying complexity or a sense of confusion.
Strokes15Radical纟Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of winding and binding is often associated with traditional crafts, such as embroidery, where techniques can symbolize unity and connection. The act of sewing can also represent meticulous attention to detail, valued in many aspects of Chinese artistry.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ball of yarn (the radical '丝' for silk) that is wound around your fingers, creating a confusing mess. The sound 'liáo' can remind you of 'lacing up' or tying something up, which connects to the idea of binding or winding.
Meanings of 缭
liáo(liao2)
1confused; to bind; to wind around
2to wind round
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 缭
缭Simplified
繚Traditional
15Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 缭
Podcast: 缭
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AI Study Notes for 缭
Quick Contrast
缠 (chán) — use 缭 when emphasizing a winding or looping action, while 缠 focuses more on the idea of entanglement or being wrapped around.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a ball of yarn (the radical '丝' for silk) that is wound around your fingers, creating a confusing mess. The sound 'liáo' can remind you of 'lacing up' or tying something up, which connects to the idea of binding or winding.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 缭 with similar-sounding characters like 料 (liào), which means material or to consider. Remember that 缭 is more about winding or binding rather than material. It's generally used in informal contexts, so be cautious when using it in formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
While 缭 is not in the HSK vocabulary, it's useful for advanced learners to explore its connections with related characters like 绑 (bǎng, to bind) and 绕 (rào, to wind around). Focus on its application in both sewing and metaphorical contexts to deepen understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of winding and binding is often associated with traditional crafts, such as embroidery, where techniques can symbolize unity and connection. The act of sewing can also represent meticulous attention to detail, valued in many aspects of Chinese artistry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 缭 by confusing it with characters that have similar meanings, such as 纠 (jiū, to correct) or 绑 (bǎng, to bind). For example, saying '我缭这件事' (I wind this matter) instead of '我纠正这件事' (I correct this matter) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 缭
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Grammar Patterns of 缭
缭 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 4
Complete the Sentence
他们被满橱窗陈列的钻石和皮草弄得眼花____乱。
They were dazed by window displays dripping with diamonds and furs.
Example Sentences for 缭 (4)
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1
他们被满橱窗陈列的钻石和皮草弄得眼花缭乱。
tā mén bèi mǎn chú chuāng chén liè de zuān shí hé pí cǎo nòng dé yǎn huā liáo luàn。
They were dazed by window displays dripping with diamonds and furs.
2
卷入丑闻的人多得让人眼花缭乱。
juàn rù chǒu wén de rén duō dé ràng rén yǎn huā liáo luàn。
The cast of characters in the scandal is bewilderingly large.
3
一缕盘旋的轻烟从农舍唯一的烟囱里缭绕升起。
yī lǚ pán xuán de qīng yān cóng nóng shě wéi yī de yān cōng lǐ liáo rào shēng qǐ。
A thin twist of smoke curled from the cottage's single chimney.
Victims were offered, the altars smoked, and the odor of incense filled the air.
Cultural Notes for 缭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of winding and binding is often associated with traditional crafts, such as embroidery, where techniques can symbolize unity and connection. The act of sewing can also represent meticulous attention to detail, valued in many aspects of Chinese artistry.
Word Family of 缭
Words Containing This Character4
眼花缭乱to be dazzled眼花繚亂
缭绕to curl up繚繞
缭liáoto wind round繚
缭乱dazzled繚亂
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 眼花缭乱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 缭
缭 can be used to describe a situation where things are tangled or confused, such as in a conversation or a problem.
Yes, you can use 缭 to describe feelings that are confused or entangled, like in a complex relationship.
While 缭 is not frequently used in common phrases, it can appear in descriptions of techniques in sewing or crafts.
