Meanings of 鸮
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About 鸮
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Podcast: 鸮
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AI study notes for 鸮
Be careful not to confuse 鸮 with other bird-related characters such as 鸟 (niǎo), which is a general term for 'bird.' Use 鸮 in specific contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about wildlife. The tone should be pronounced with a high level (first tone) to avoid misunderstandings.
Although 鸮 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to words related to birds, such as 鸟 (niǎo) and other animal names. Focus on the pronunciation and the context in which 鸮 is used to differentiate it from more common bird terms.
Learners often confuse 鸮 (xiāo) with 鸟 (niǎo) when trying to refer to birds in general. For example, saying '我喜欢鸮' (Wǒ xǐhuān xiāo) to mean 'I like birds' is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢鸟' (Wǒ xǐhuān niǎo).
Pronunciation of 鸮
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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.
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Etymology of 鸮
Phonosemantic compound. 鸟 represents the meaning and 号 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鴞.
bird
Origin
鸮 = 鸟 + 号. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 鸮
Parts
Which of these is part of 鸮?
How to say owl in Chinese
“owl” in Chinese is鸮
The character 鸮 (xiāo) refers specifically to owls, which are nocturnal birds known for their distinctive calls and silent flight. In Chinese culture, owls are often associated with wisdom and mystery but can also be linked to omens or bad luck depending on the context. This character is primarily used in formal or literary contexts.
When to use 鸮
Be careful not to confuse 鸮 with other bird-related characters such as 鸟 (niǎo), which is a general term for 'bird.' Use 鸮 in specific contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about wildlife. The tone should be pronounced with a high level (first tone) to avoid misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鸮 (xiāo) with 鸟 (niǎo) when trying to refer to birds in general. For example, saying '我喜欢鸮' (Wǒ xǐhuān xiāo) to mean 'I like birds' is incorrect; it should be '我喜欢鸟' (Wǒ xǐhuān niǎo).
Write 鸮
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Word Family of 鸮
Frequently asked questions about 鸮
It is pronounced as 'xiāo' with a high first tone.
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