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嗾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
嗾sǒuto set a dog on; to incite, to instigate, to urge ong, 14 strokes, radical 口
嗾sǒuinciteunknown, 14 strokes, radical 口
sǒu(sou3)sou T3
  1. 1to set a dog on; to incite, to instigate, to urge on
  2. 2incite
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March 24, 2026

嗾sǒu(sou3)

The character 嗾 (sǒu) primarily means to incite or instigate, often in a negative context, such as urging someone to take action that may lead to trouble or conflict. It can also refer to setting a dog on someone, emphasizing the aggressive or harmful nature of the action. This character is commonly used in discussions involving encouragement of negative behavior or actions.

Strokes14Radical口
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the idea of inciting or urging someone to act, especially in a negative manner, can be linked to historical events where instigation has led to conflict or unrest. This character may also appear in literary works or discussions surrounding loyalty and betrayal.

Memory tip

Imagine a dog being urged on by a person to chase after someone. The dog, representing the radical 犬 (dog), symbolizes the aggressive action being incited. The sound 'sǒu' can be remembered as a 'sow' (like a pig) that is being set on a mission, illustrating the urgency and intent behind the action.

Meanings of 嗾

sǒu(sou3)
1to set a dog on; to incite, to instigate, to urge on
2incite
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About 嗾

嗾Simplified
14Strokes
口Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 嗾

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AI study notes for 嗾

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when using 嗾, as it carries a negative connotation. It is generally used in informal contexts when discussing incitement or urging on someone to act, particularly in a disruptive way. Common collocations include 嗾使 (to instigate) and 嗾动 (to incite).

HSK Study Tips

While 嗾 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be relevant for intermediate learners expanding their vocabulary around themes of conflict and persuasion. Students should focus on understanding its negative implications and practice using it in different contexts to grasp its nuance.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 嗾 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 嗾 (to incite) instead of 诉 (to sue or tell) in a sentence can change the meaning entirely. Always confirm the context to avoid such errors.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 嗾

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Etymology of 嗾

Decomposition of 嗾

IDS Structure⿰口族
嗾Full character
=
口kou3
left
族zu2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

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How to say to set a dog on; to incite, to instigate, to urge on in Chinese

“to set a dog on; to incite, to instigate, to urge on” in Chinese is嗾sǒu

The character 嗾 (sǒu) primarily means to incite or instigate, often in a negative context, such as urging someone to take action that may lead to trouble or conflict. It can also refer to setting a dog on someone, emphasizing the aggressive or harmful nature of the action. This character is commonly used in discussions involving encouragement of negative behavior or actions.

When to use 嗾

Be cautious with the tone when using 嗾, as it carries a negative connotation. It is generally used in informal contexts when discussing incitement or urging on someone to act, particularly in a disruptive way. Common collocations include 嗾使 (to instigate) and 嗾动 (to incite).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 嗾 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using 嗾 (to incite) instead of 诉 (to sue or tell) in a sentence can change the meaning entirely. Always confirm the context to avoid such errors.

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嗾

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Cultural Notes for 嗾

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

Unlike in many Western cultures where incitement might be seen as a personal moral failing, in some Chinese contexts, it can be viewed as a strategic maneuver in social or political situations.

Word Family of 嗾

Words containing this character1
嗾sǒuincite

Frequently asked questions about 嗾

Yes, 嗾 typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting harmful incitement or urging someone to act destructively.

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