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新潮 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
新潮xīncháomodernHSK 7, unknown, 28 strokes, rank #14163, Very Hard
新潮xīncháofashionableHSK 7, unknown, 28 strokes, rank #14163, Very Hard
xīncháo(xin1chao2)xin chao T1
  1. 1modern
  2. 2fashionable
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March 24, 2026

新潮xīncháo(xin1chao2)

新潮 (xīncháo) refers to something that is modern, trendy, or fashionable. It is commonly used in contexts related to styles, ideas, or movements that are considered contemporary and appealing to a younger audience. The term conveys a sense of being in tune with the latest developments and fashions.

Strokes28Frequency#14163DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, being 新潮 is often associated with youth and innovation, reflecting the rapid changes in society and the economy. This term is frequently used in marketing to appeal to younger consumers who prioritize modernity.

Memory tip

Think of 新 (new) as a fresh start and 潮 (tide) as the waves that bring in the latest styles. Imagine a new tide bringing in fashionable clothing to the shore, representing how trends wash over society. The pronunciation 'xin1 chao2' can be remembered as 'new wave' to connect with its meaning.

Meanings of 新潮

xīncháo(xin1chao2)
1modern
2fashionable
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About 新潮

新潮Simplified
28Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 新潮

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Podcast: 新潮

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AI study notes for 新潮

Quick Contrast

流行 (liúxíng) - use 新潮 when emphasizing a sense of being cutting-edge or avant-garde, whereas 流行 focuses more on widespread popularity.

Usage Notes

When using 新潮, be mindful of the context; it is more informal and suited for conversations about fashion or youth culture. Avoid using it in overly formal settings. Common collocations include 新潮文化 (modern culture) and 新潮风格 (trendy style).

HSK Study Tips

While 新潮 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects to other words like 新 (new) and 时尚 (fashion) that students may encounter in their studies. Focus on recognizing its use in contemporary discussions and media.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 新潮 with 时尚 (shíshàng), which also means fashionable but conveys a different nuance. For example, saying 新潮的传统服装 (modern traditional clothing) is incorrect; instead, use 传统的时尚 (fashionable traditional clothing).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 新潮

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Component characters

新xīnnew
HSK 113 strokes斤
View full entry
潮cháotide
HSK 715 strokes氵
View full entry

How to say modern in Chinese

“modern” in Chinese is新潮xīncháo

新潮 (xīncháo) refers to something that is modern, trendy, or fashionable. It is commonly used in contexts related to styles, ideas, or movements that are considered contemporary and appealing to a younger audience. The term conveys a sense of being in tune with the latest developments and fashions.

When to use 新潮

When using 新潮, be mindful of the context; it is more informal and suited for conversations about fashion or youth culture. Avoid using it in overly formal settings. Common collocations include 新潮文化 (modern culture) and 新潮风格 (trendy style).

新潮 or something close to it

流行 (liúxíng) - use 新潮 when emphasizing a sense of being cutting-edge or avant-garde, whereas 流行 focuses more on widespread popularity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 新潮 with 时尚 (shíshàng), which also means fashionable but conveys a different nuance. For example, saying 新潮的传统服装 (modern traditional clothing) is incorrect; instead, use 传统的时尚 (fashionable traditional clothing).

Write 新潮

新
潮

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Frequently asked questions about 新潮

No, 新潮 specifically refers to modern and trendy items, so it would not be appropriate for traditional styles.

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