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.
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.
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"
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 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".
- 1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
- 2The sound half⺌ is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayflesh - "in the flesh"
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 肖? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 肖
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How to say surname Xiao in Chinese
“surname Xiao” in Chinese is肖
The character 肖 (xiāo) primarily refers to the concept of similarity or resemblance. It is commonly used in contexts where one thing is compared to another, indicating likeness. Additionally, 肖 is a surname in Chinese culture, which is significant in personal identification.
When to use 肖
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.
肖 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.'
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)
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.
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