Meanings of 跷
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About 跷
Podcast: 跷
Podcast: 跷
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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
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Etymology of 跷
Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 尧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蹺.
foot
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 跷
Phonosemantic compound. 足 represents the meaning and 尧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 蹺.
- 1The meaning half足 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half尧 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayfoot
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 跷? 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 跷
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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
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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.
Complete the Sentence
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)
Word Family of 跷
Compound Meaning
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.
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