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March 24, 2026
貂diāo(diao1)
The character 貂 (diāo) refers to a type of animal known as sable, mink, or marten, which are often valued for their fur. In Chinese, this term is primarily used in discussions about fashion, fur trade, and wildlife, highlighting the economic and ecological relevance of these animals.
Strokes12Radical豸Frequency#14646DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fur-bearing animals like the sable are associated with luxury and status, often seen in traditional and contemporary fashion. They have historical significance in trade and are sometimes featured in Chinese art and literature.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sleek, shiny coat made of sable fur. The character 貂 has a 'fur' radical (毛) at the top, representing the animal's fur, while the bottom part resembles a 'tail.' Think of a fashionable mink tail swaying elegantly as you pronounce 'diāo'.
Meanings of 貂
diāo(diao1)
1sable, mink, marten
2sable or marten (genus Martes)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 貂
貂Simplified
12Strokes
豸Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 貂
Podcast: 貂
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AI Study Notes for 貂
Quick Contrast
貂 (diāo) vs 狐 (hú) — choose 貂 when specifically referring to sable or mink, while 狐 refers to foxes, which are different animals.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sleek, shiny coat made of sable fur. The character 貂 has a 'fur' radical (毛) at the top, representing the animal's fur, while the bottom part resembles a 'tail.' Think of a fashionable mink tail swaying elegantly as you pronounce 'diāo'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 貂 with similar-sounding characters or other fur-bearing animals. This term is more formal and specific; it's commonly used in the fashion industry. Be careful with tones, as using the wrong tone can completely change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 貂 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can be related to animals (动物) and adjectives describing fur (毛). Students should focus on the pronunciation and context in which animal names are used, expanding their vocabulary on wildlife.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, fur-bearing animals like the sable are associated with luxury and status, often seen in traditional and contemporary fashion. They have historical significance in trade and are sometimes featured in Chinese art and literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 貂 with the character for 'rabbit' (兔, tù) due to similar sounds. Remember that 貂 specifically refers to fur-bearing animals like minks, not just any furry creature.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 貂
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Grammar Patterns of 貂
貂 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 2 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
有些人喜欢穿____皮大衣，戴钻石首饰。
Some people like to dress up in minks and diamonds.
Some people like to dress up in minks and diamonds.
2
肩上披着的貂皮衬托得她更加优雅，手上的钻戒则光彩夺目。
jiān shàng pī zháo de diāo pí chèn tuō dé tā gēng jiā yōu yǎ， ， shǒu shàng de zuān jiè zé guāng cǎi duó。
Her shoulders were graced with mink and her fingers sparkled with diamonds.
3
画家的画笔有的是用貂毛制的.
huà jiā de huà bǐ yǒu de shì yòng diāo máo zhì de.
Artists'brushes are sometimes made of sable.
4
我真傻,大冷天没穿我那紫貂皮大衣就出门了.
wǒ zhēn shǎ, , dà lěng tiān méi chuān wǒ nà zǐ diāo pí dà yī jiù chū mén.
I was silly to get out in the cold without my sable coat.
Cultural Notes for 貂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, fur-bearing animals like the sable are associated with luxury and status, often seen in traditional and contemporary fashion. They have historical significance in trade and are sometimes featured in Chinese art and literature.
Word Family of 貂
Words Containing This Character8
貂diāosable or marten (genus Martes)
貂蝉Diaochan (-192), one of the four legendary beauties 四大美女[sìdàměinǚ], in fiction a famous beauty at the break-up of Han dynasty, given as concubine to usurping warlord Dong Zhuo 董卓[DǒngZhuó] to ensure his overthrow by fighting hero Lü Bu 呂布|吕布[LǚBù]貂蟬
貂皮mink fur
水貂mink (Mustela lutreola, M. vison)
黑貂sable (Martes zibellina)
狗尾续貂fig. a worthless sequel to a masterpiece狗尾續貂
紫貂sable (Martes zibellina)
貂裘换酒lit. to trade a fur coat for wine (idiom)貂裘換酒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 貂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 貂
It is pronounced as 'diāo' with a high tone.
This word is typically used in discussions about fashion and fur trade.
It is not used frequently in casual conversation, as it refers to a specific type of animal and is more common in specialized contexts.
