Meanings of 凹
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 凹
Podcast: 凹
Podcast: 凹
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 凹
凹 (āo) vs 凸 (tū) — choose 凹 when describing a concave shape, while 凸 refers to a convex shape.
It's important to use 凹 in contexts where you specifically describe shapes or surfaces. Common mistakes include confusing it with 窪 (wā), which also refers to a depression but has different applications. Be careful with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can change the meaning entirely.
While 凹 is not part of the official HSK levels, understanding it can enhance your vocabulary related to shapes and descriptions. Focus on recognizing and using it in descriptions of objects and landscapes to improve contextual understanding.
Learners often confuse 凹 with other characters that describe similar concepts, such as 窪. For example, saying '这个地方很窪' (This place is very concave) is incorrect; instead, use '这个地方很凹'.
Pronunciation of 凹
Drill the tone of 凹 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 凹
Pictograph of a concavity. Opposite of 凸.
A rectangle with a hollow
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 凹
Pictograph of a concavity. Opposite of 凸.
- 1The giveawayA rectangle with a hollow
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 凹? 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
What type of character formation is 凹?
Decomposition of 凹
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 凹?
How to say a depression in Chinese
“a depression” in Chinese is凹
The character 凹 (āo) refers to a depression or indentation, often describing surfaces that are concave or hollow. It is commonly used in contexts related to physical shapes, such as dips in terrain or objects, and can also denote a sunken or indented appearance.
When to use 凹
It's important to use 凹 in contexts where you specifically describe shapes or surfaces. Common mistakes include confusing it with 窪 (wā), which also refers to a depression but has different applications. Be careful with pronunciation, as misplacing the tone can change the meaning entirely.
凹 or something close to it
凹 (āo) vs 凸 (tū) — choose 凹 when describing a concave shape, while 凸 refers to a convex shape.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 凹 with other characters that describe similar concepts, such as 窪. For example, saying '这个地方很窪' (This place is very concave) is incorrect; instead, use '这个地方很凹'.
Write 凹
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 凹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 凹
凹 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 9 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
他摇摇晃晃地行走在停车场____凸不平的地面上。
He staggered on the uneven surface of the car park.
Example Sentences for 凹 (10)
Word Family of 凹
Compound Meaning
What does 兕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凹
凹 specifically refers to a concave shape, while 窪 describes a depression or hollow that may not be strictly concave.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 凹?
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.