Meanings of 跷
By ear
Play it, then pick what 跷 means.
About 跷
Podcast: 跷
Podcast: 跷
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 跷
踮 (diǎn) vs 跷 (qiāo): use 跷 when emphasizing standing on tiptoe for height, while 踮 focuses more on the action of raising the heel.
Learners often confuse 跷 with similar characters like 踮 (diān), which also relates to raising the foot but implies a more delicate action. This word is generally informal and used in everyday conversation. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding.
Although not part of the official HSK levels, 跷 connects with basic verbs related to movement and positioning. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in compound terms related to physical elevation or movement, as it can enhance their vocabulary on actions.
Learners often incorrectly use 跷 when they mean to say 踮; for example, saying '我在路上跷我的脚' (I am standing on tiptoe on the road) should be corrected to '我在路上踮我的脚' to convey the intended lightness.
Pronunciation of 跷
Drill the tone of 跷 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 跷 to You
Let me explain 跷 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 跷 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 跷?
Learning Lab
Knowing 跷 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 跷
Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 尧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蹺.
foot
Origin
跷 = 足 + 尧. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 跷
Parts
Which of these is part of 跷?
How to say to stand on tiptoe; stilts in Chinese
“to stand on tiptoe; stilts” in Chinese is跷
The character 跷 (qiāo) primarily means to stand on tiptoe or to raise one's foot, often used in contexts where someone is trying to reach something higher. It can also refer to stilts, emphasizing a physical elevation or a way of lifting oneself above the ground. This character conveys a sense of striving for a higher perspective or position.
When to use 跷
Learners often confuse 跷 with similar characters like 踮 (diān), which also relates to raising the foot but implies a more delicate action. This word is generally informal and used in everyday conversation. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as a mispronunciation can lead to misunderstanding.
跷 or something close to it
踮 (diǎn) vs 跷 (qiāo): use 跷 when emphasizing standing on tiptoe for height, while 踮 focuses more on the action of raising the heel.
What learners get wrong
Learners often incorrectly use 跷 when they mean to say 踮; for example, saying '我在路上跷我的脚' (I am standing on tiptoe on the road) should be corrected to '我在路上踮我的脚' to convey the intended lightness.
Write 跷
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 跷 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 跷
跷 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她坐到一把扶手椅上，____起了二郎腿。
She sank into an armchair and crossed her legs.
Example Sentences for 跷 (4)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 跷?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 跷
Words with 跷
What does 蹊跷 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 跷
While 跷 specifically means to stand on tiptoe, other verbs like 踮 emphasize a lighter or more delicate raising of the foot.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 跷?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.