Meanings of 刁
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Podcast: 刁
Podcast: 刁
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AI Study Notes for 刁
狡 (jiǎo) - use 刁 (diāo) for a more negative connotation of cunningness, while 狡 (jiǎo) suggests cleverness without the same level of deceit.
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'.
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'.
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.
Pronunciation of 刁
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Jason Explains 刁 to You
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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 刁
How to say surname Diao in Chinese
“surname Diao” in Chinese is刁
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.
When to use 刁
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'.
刁 or something close to it
狡 (jiǎo) - use 刁 (diāo) for a more negative connotation of cunningness, while 狡 (jiǎo) suggests cleverness without the same level of deceit.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 刁
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Practice writing 刁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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.
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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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Word Family of 刁
Words with 刁
What does 刁难 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 刁
Yes, 刁 (Diao) is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common surnames.
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