Meanings of 侨
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About 侨
Podcast: 侨
Podcast: 侨
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AI Study Notes for 侨
外侨 (wài qiáo) vs 侨民 (qiáo mín) — use 侨 for general reference to emigrants, while 侨民 specifically refers to the community of overseas Chinese.
Imagine a person (人, rén) standing in front of a big door (侨) that leads to a new country. This door symbolizes the transition from their home to a foreign land, emphasizing the idea of emigration and the journey they take.
Be careful not to confuse 侨 with similar-sounding words like 巧 (qiǎo, meaning 'clever' or 'skillful'). This word is typically used in formal contexts, especially when discussing overseas Chinese communities. Common collocations include 侨胞 (qiáobāo, 'overseas compatriots') and 侨民 (qiáomín, 'emigrant population').
Though 侨 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, students should focus on its connections to words like 海外 (hǎiwài, 'overseas') and 侨居 (qiáojū, 'to reside abroad'). Understanding these connections can enhance vocabulary related to migration and overseas experiences.
The concept of 侨 is significant in Chinese culture, as many Chinese people have emigrated for work or study, creating vibrant overseas communities. This has led to a strong sense of identity and connection among the Chinese diaspora.
Learners often mistakenly use 侨 to refer to anyone living abroad, but it is specific to the Chinese context. For example, saying '我是一名侨在美国' (I am an emigrant in America) is correct, while using it for non-Chinese individuals is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 侨
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Etymology of 侨
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 乔 represents the sound. Simplified form of 僑.
person
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 侨?
Decomposition of 侨
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Write 侨
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Practice writing 侨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 侨
侨 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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
多数老华____深深怀念祖国.
Most old overseas Chinese keep in the depth of their souls a longing for their motherland.
Example Sentences for 侨 (2)
Cultural Notes for 侨
The concept of 侨 is significant in Chinese culture, as many Chinese people have emigrated for work or study, creating vibrant overseas communities. This has led to a strong sense of identity and connection among the Chinese diaspora.
Word Family of 侨
Compound Meaning
What does 侨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 侨
侨 (qiáo) refers specifically to emigrants who are often residing abroad temporarily or maintaining ties with their home country, while 移民 (yímín) indicates immigrants who have permanently settled in a new country.