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跆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
táito trample, to kickn, 12 strokes, radical 足, rank #24918, Very Hard
tái(tai2) T2
  1. 1to trample, to kick
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March 24, 2026
tái(tai2)

The character 跆 (tái) primarily means 'to trample' or 'to kick.' It is often used in martial arts contexts, particularly in relation to kicking techniques. The character can also convey a sense of forceful movement or aggression.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#24918DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese martial arts, especially in Taekwondo, the concept of kicking is central, and 跆 represents this action. This character is often seen in signage or terminology related to martial arts schools in China.

Memory Tip

Imagine a powerful foot trampling down on something. The character 跆 looks like a person kicking (the foot radical) with force. You can remember 'tái' by picturing a Taekwondo master showing off their kicking skills.

Meanings of 跆

tái(tai2)
1to trample, to kick
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 跆

Simplified
12Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 跆

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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AI Study Notes for 跆

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a powerful foot trampling down on something. The character 跆 looks like a person kicking (the foot radical) with force. You can remember 'tái' by picturing a Taekwondo master showing off their kicking skills.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 跆 with other similar-sounding characters. It is more commonly used in martial arts or aggressive contexts, so it may not be suitable for formal or polite conversations. Common collocations include 跆拳道 (Taekwondo) and 跆踢 (to kick).

HSK Study Tips

While 跆 is not yet in HSK vocabulary, it is helpful to connect it with related martial arts terms like 拳 (quán, fist) and 打 (dǎ, to hit). Focus on mastering the pronunciation and recognizing its usage in specific contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese martial arts, especially in Taekwondo, the concept of kicking is central, and 跆 represents this action. This character is often seen in signage or terminology related to martial arts schools in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 跆 with the character 踏 (tà), which also relates to stepping or treading but has a different nuance. Remember, 跆 is specifically about kicking or trampling, not just stepping.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 跆

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Etymology of 跆

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 台 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

foot

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 跆?

Decomposition of 跆

IDS Structure⿰足台
Full Character
=
ju4
left
Tai2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 跆?

Write 跆

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 跆

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese martial arts, especially in Taekwondo, the concept of kicking is central, and 跆 represents this action. This character is often seen in signage or terminology related to martial arts schools in China.

Word Family of 跆

Words Containing This Character2
跆拳道taekwondo (Korean martial art)
táito trample, to kick
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 跆拳道 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 跆

The pronunciation is 'tái,' with a rising tone. Practice saying it with emphasis on the 't' sound.