Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
聱áo(ao2)
The character 聱 (áo) refers to something that is bent or twisted, as well as to concepts that are overcomplicated or difficult to articulate. It is often used in literary contexts to describe difficult language or intricate poetry that may be hard to pronounce or understand.
Strokes16Radical耳Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the ability to create complex and intricate poetry is highly valued, and 聱 is often used to describe works that are beautifully intricate yet challenging to comprehend, reflecting the appreciation for linguistic artistry in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tangled vine (the radical 聿) that is hard to pronounce because of its twists and bends. Picture someone trying to say 'áo' while navigating through this confusing vine, making it a memorable association with the character's meaning.
Meanings of 聱
áo(ao2)
1bent, twisted; overcomplicated
2difficult to pronounce
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 聱
聱Simplified
16Strokes
耳Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 聱
Podcast: 聱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 聱
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tangled vine (the radical 聿) that is hard to pronounce because of its twists and bends. Picture someone trying to say 'áo' while navigating through this confusing vine, making it a memorable association with the character's meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 聱 with similar sounding characters, such as 饶 (ráo), which means to spare or allow. It's important to use 聱 in contexts involving complexity or difficulty rather than simple or straightforward situations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 聱 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it relates to advanced language skills. Students should focus on understanding its use in literary contexts and its implications in discussions about language complexity, as well as its pronunciation nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese literature, the ability to create complex and intricate poetry is highly valued, and 聱 is often used to describe works that are beautifully intricate yet challenging to comprehend, reflecting the appreciation for linguistic artistry in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is mispronouncing 聱 as 'náo', which changes the meaning entirely. Always remember it begins with the 'á' sound. Another error is using 聱 in casual situations where simpler language is needed; it is best reserved for more formal or literary discussions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 聱
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 聱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 聱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 聱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese literature, the ability to create complex and intricate poetry is highly valued, and 聱 is often used to describe works that are beautifully intricate yet challenging to comprehend, reflecting the appreciation for linguistic artistry in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 聱
Words Containing This Character1
聱áodifficult to pronounce
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 聱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 聱
An example would be, '这首诗的语言聱,读起来很吃力' (This poem's language is complex, making it difficult to read).
You pronounce it as 'áo' with a rising tone, similar to how you might raise your voice when asking a question.
It is typically used in literary contexts rather than everyday conversation, so it might not come up frequently.