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貂 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
貂
diāo
sable, mink, marten
n, 12 strokes, radical 豸, rank #14646, Very Hard
貂
diāo
sable or marten (genus Martes)
unknown, 12 strokes, radical 豸, rank #14646, Very Hard
diāo(diao1)diao T1
1sable, mink, marten
2sable or marten (genus Martes)
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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#14646DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
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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.
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.
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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Example
Learning Lab
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貂 = 豸 + 召. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 貂
IDS Structure⿰豸召
貂Full character
=
豸zhi4
left
召Shao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 貂?
How to say sable, mink, marten in Chinese
“sable, mink, marten” in Chinese is貂diāo
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.
When to use 貂
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.
貂 or something close to it
貂 (diāo) vs 狐 (hú) — choose 貂 when specifically referring to sable or mink, while 狐 refers to foxes, which are different animals.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 貂
貂
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Practice writing 貂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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 zhe de diāo pí chèntuō de tā gèngjiā yōuyǎ， shǒu shàng de zuān jiè zé guāngcǎi duó mù。
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.
huàjiā de huà bǐ yǒudeshì 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 dàyī jiù chūmén le.
I was silly to get out in the cold without my sable coat.
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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
Words with 貂
What does 貂蝉 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.
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