Meanings of 肖
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About 肖
Podcast: 肖
Podcast: 肖
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AI Study Notes for 肖
肖 (xiāo, similarity) vs 类似 (lèisì, similar) — use 肖 for direct resemblance in specific contexts, while 类似 is broader and often used in more general comparisons.
Imagine a 'small' (小) person (as in '肖') who looks very similar to a famous celebrity. The resemblance is so striking that everyone comments on how much they 'look like' each other. This visual story helps you remember that 肖 means to resemble or be like someone.
When using 肖, be careful to use it in contexts of comparison rather than direct description. A common collocation is '肖像' (xiàoxiàng), meaning 'portrait,' which emphasizes likeness. Also, ensure the correct tone (first tone) is used, as confusion with 4th tone could alter meaning.
Although 肖 is not in the official HSK list, its connections to other characters like 小 (small) can aid memorization. Students should focus on recognizing it in contexts involving comparisons and familial names, especially in conversations about family or identity.
In Chinese culture, surnames hold great significance, and 肖 is one of many traditional surnames. The character is often seen in official documents and family discussions, emphasizing its importance in personal identity.
Learners often confuse 肖 with the similar-sounding character 小 (small), leading to incorrect usage. For instance, saying '他很小她' instead of '他很肖她' would change the intended meaning from 'He is small compared to her' to 'He resembles her.'
Pronunciation of 肖
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Etymology of 肖
Depicts the moon (月) getting smaller (小) and disappearing as part of the lunar cycle. Based on the original meaning "decrease; disappear", now written as 消. The meaning later shifted to "resemble; similar".
flesh - "in the flesh"
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 肖?
Decomposition of 肖
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Write 肖
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Practice writing 肖 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 肖
肖 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 8 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.
Complete the Sentence
他们还留下了一张名片，上面印着____恩·林奇的名字。
They also left a card, imprinted with the name Sean Lynch.
Example Sentences for 肖 (10)
Cultural Notes for 肖
In Chinese culture, surnames hold great significance, and 肖 is one of many traditional surnames. The character is often seen in official documents and family discussions, emphasizing its importance in personal identity.
Word Family of 肖
Compound Meaning
What does 消 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 肖
In family contexts, 肖 is often used as a surname, highlighting familial lineage and connections.