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March 24, 2026
耀yào(yao4)
The character 耀 (yào) conveys the meaning of brilliance or shining quality, often used to describe something that sparkles or dazzles. It can refer to physical light, such as the shine of a star, or metaphorically to achievements that bring glory or recognition.
Strokes20Radical羽Frequency#22440DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of brilliance is often tied to achievements and honor, making 耀 a fitting term for describing someone’s success or a significant event. For example, it may be used in phrases celebrating awards or honors during festivals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a dazzling star (the radical 耀) shining bright in the night sky. The character looks like a star that is radiating light, making it easier to remember that 耀 means 'to shine' or 'to dazzle.'
Meanings of 耀
yào(yao4)
1brilliant
2glorious
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 耀
耀Simplified
20Strokes
羽Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#22440Frequency Rank
Podcast: 耀
Podcast: 耀
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AI Study Notes for 耀
Quick Contrast
耀 (yào) vs 光 (guāng) — use 耀 for brilliance or dazzling qualities, while 光 refers to light in a more general sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a dazzling star (the radical 耀) shining bright in the night sky. The character looks like a star that is radiating light, making it easier to remember that 耀 means 'to shine' or 'to dazzle.'
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 耀, as a mispronunciation could lead to misunderstandings. It is often used in formal contexts, such as in praise or awards, and can be combined with other words, like '光耀' (guāng yào), meaning 'brilliant light.'
HSK Study Tips
Though 耀 is not currently listed in HSK levels, it is beneficial for learners to associate it with HSK words related to light and brightness, such as 光 (light) and 明 (bright). Focus on its usage in phrases to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of brilliance is often tied to achievements and honor, making 耀 a fitting term for describing someone’s success or a significant event. For example, it may be used in phrases celebrating awards or honors during festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 耀 (yào) with similar-sounding characters like 要 (yào), which means 'to want.' For example, saying '我耀一个苹果' (wǒ yào yī gè píngguǒ) incorrectly instead of '我想要一个苹果' (wǒ xiǎng yào yī gè píngguǒ) can lead to confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 耀
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Grammar Patterns of 耀
耀 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 4
Complete the Sentence
一束____眼的阳光从门口照射进来。
A brilliant shaft of sunlight burst through the doorway.
The moon shone, shedding a ghostly light on the fields.
10
他们开着劳斯莱斯到处转悠，公开炫耀他们的财富。
tā mén kāi zháo láo sī lái sī dào chǔ zhuǎn yōu， ， gōng kāi xuàn yào tā mén de cái。
They drove around in Rolls-Royces, openly flaunting their wealth.
Cultural Notes for 耀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of brilliance is often tied to achievements and honor, making 耀 a fitting term for describing someone’s success or a significant event. For example, it may be used in phrases celebrating awards or honors during festivals.
Word Family of 耀
Words Containing This Character20
荣耀honor榮耀
炫耀xuànyàodazzling
耀眼yàoyǎnto dazzle
闪耀to glint閃耀
耀yàobrilliant
照耀zhàoyàoto shine
胡耀邦Hu Yaobang (1915-1989), Chinese politician
夸耀kuāyàoto brag about誇耀
耀斑solar flare
光耀dazzling
耀武扬威to bluff耀武揚威
李光耀Lee Kuan Yew (1923-2015), founding father of modern Singapore, prime minister 1959-1990
光宗耀祖to bring honor to one's ancestors
显耀to show off顯耀
耀州区Yaozhou District of Tongchuan City 銅川市|铜川市[TóngchuānShì], Shaanxi耀州區
耀州Yaozhou District of Tongchuan City 銅川市|铜川市[TóngchuānShì], Shaanxi
耀县Yao county in Shaanxi耀縣
光耀门楣fig. to bring honor to one's family光耀門楣
炳耀bright and luminous
荣宗耀祖also written 光宗耀祖榮宗耀祖
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 荣耀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 耀
Phrases like '光耀' (guāng yào) for 'brilliant light' and '荣耀' (róng yào) meaning 'glory' often incorporate 耀.
Make sure to use the fourth tone, which is a sharp and falling tone, to avoid confusion with other words.
While it is more common in formal contexts, you can use it to describe something particularly impressive in casual conversation.
