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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
Choose the correct answer:
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.
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.
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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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 耀? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 耀?
Decomposition of 耀
IDS Structure⿰光翟
耀Full Character
=
光guang1
left
翟Di2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 耀?
How to say brilliant in Chinese
“brilliant” in Chinese is耀yào
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.
When to use 耀
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.'
耀 or something close to it
耀 (yào) vs 光 (guāng) — use 耀 for brilliance or dazzling qualities, while 光 refers to light in a more general sense.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 耀
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.
