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March 24, 2026
刁diāo(Diao1)
The character 刁 (diāo) refers to someone who is tricky, sly, or crafty, often implying a certain cunning nature. It's commonly used in contexts where deceit or cleverness is involved, such as in negotiations or strategies. Additionally, it can serve as a surname, particularly the surname Diao.
Strokes2Radical刁Frequency#23215DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of being 'tricky' or 'sly' is often viewed negatively in Chinese culture, reflecting values of honesty and integrity. However, cunning behavior is sometimes admired in competitive contexts, such as business or strategy games.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sly fox (representing the meaning of 'tricky') holding a sharp knife (the radical 刀, which means 'knife' and is part of 刁). The fox is very cunning, using its craftiness to outsmart others, helping you remember both the sound 'diāo' and the meaning of the character.
Meanings of 刁
diāo(Diao1)
1tricky, sly, crafty, cunning
2wicked
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 刁
刁Simplified
2Strokes
刁Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 刁
Podcast: 刁
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AI Study Notes for 刁
Quick Contrast
狡 (jiǎo) - use 刁 (diāo) for a more negative connotation of cunningness, while 狡 (jiǎo) suggests cleverness without the same level of deceit.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sly fox (representing the meaning of 'tricky') holding a sharp knife (the radical 刀, which means 'knife' and is part of 刁). The fox is very cunning, using its craftiness to outsmart others, helping you remember both the sound 'diāo' and the meaning of the character.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone, as the pronunciation 'diāo' has a high level tone, which can be mistaken for other characters. It's mostly used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in formal writing or conversations. Common collocations include '刁钻' (diāo zuān), meaning 'sly and tricky'.
HSK Study Tips
While 刁 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of more complex vocabulary at higher levels. Pay attention to other words with similar meanings or connotations, such as 狡猾 (jiǎo huá) for 'cunning'.
Cultural Note
The concept of being 'tricky' or 'sly' is often viewed negatively in Chinese culture, reflecting values of honesty and integrity. However, cunning behavior is sometimes admired in competitive contexts, such as business or strategy games.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 刁 (diāo) with similar-sounding characters like 调 (tiáo), which means 'to adjust'. A common mistake is using '调' when describing someone as tricky, which would be incorrect. Remember, 'diāo' is the right term for cunning behavior.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 刁
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Grammar Patterns of 刁
刁 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.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
他睿智____钻，评论尖刻，对任何采访他的人而言都是梦魇。
His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.
Example Sentences for 刁 (3)
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1
他睿智刁钻，评论尖刻，对任何采访他的人而言都是梦魇。
tā ruì zhì diāo zuān， ， píng lùn jiān， kè ， duì rèn hé cǎi fǎng tā de rén ér yán dū shì。
His abrasive wit and caustic comments were an interviewer's nightmare.
Mr Adams was repeatedly bullied and picked on by manageress Elizabeth Archer.
3
她相貌平常, 为人刁恶, 性情乖戾.
tā xiāng mào píng cháng, , wéi rén diāo, è , xìng qíng.
She was plain, spiteful, and surly.
Cultural Notes for 刁
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of being 'tricky' or 'sly' is often viewed negatively in Chinese culture, reflecting values of honesty and integrity. However, cunning behavior is sometimes admired in competitive contexts, such as business or strategy games.
Word Family of 刁
Words Containing This Character6
刁diāoartful
刁难diāonànto be hard on sb刁難
刁钻crafty刁鑽
刁蛮crafty and unruly刁蠻
刁滑artful
石刁柏asparagus
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 刁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刁
Yes, 刁 (Diao) is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common surnames.
Typically, 刁 carries a negative connotation, implying deceit or craftiness, so it is rarely used positively.
Common phrases include '刁钻' (diāo zuān) and '刁难' (diāo nán), which means to create difficulties for someone.
