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March 24, 2026
巢cháo(Chao2)
The character 巢 (cháo) primarily means 'nest' or 'dwelling,' often referring to the homes built by birds or other animals. In a broader context, it can also refer to living quarters in trees or similar structures. Additionally, it serves as a surname in Chinese culture.
Strokes11Radical巛Frequency#9428DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a nest (巢) ties closely to themes of family and safety, often symbolizing the nurturing environment that one provides for loved ones. The idea is reflected in various Chinese idioms and sayings that emphasize home and comfort.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bird's nest high up in a tree (巢) where the birds are safe and cozy. The top part resembles a roof (the tree), and the bottom part is like a warm, welcoming space where they gather, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation (cháo).
Meanings of 巢
cháo(Chao2)
1nest
2nest, living quarters in tree
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 巢
巢Simplified
11Strokes
巛Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#9428Frequency Rank
Podcast: 巢
Podcast: 巢
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AI Study Notes for 巢
Quick Contrast
窝 (wō) - use 巢 (cháo) for nests built by birds or animals, while 窝 (wō) often refers to a den or lair, particularly for animals.
Usage Notes
When using 巢 in conversation, be cautious about its context—it’s often used in informal settings. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; ensure you use it to describe nests or living spaces specifically. It frequently collocates with words like 鸟 (bird) to form 'bird's nest' (鸟巢).
HSK Study Tips
While 巢 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be a useful addition to vocabulary about animals and nature. Students should focus on its use in context, especially when discussing habitats or homes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 巢 with similar characters like 超 (chāo), which means 'to surpass'. For example, saying '我有一个超' (I have a surpass) instead of '我有一个巢' (I have a nest) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 巢
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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 巢? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 巢?
Decomposition of 巢
IDS Structure⿱巛果
巢Full Character
=
巛chuan1
top
果guo3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 巢?
How to say surname Chao in Chinese
“surname Chao” in Chinese is巢cháo
The character 巢 (cháo) primarily means 'nest' or 'dwelling,' often referring to the homes built by birds or other animals. In a broader context, it can also refer to living quarters in trees or similar structures. Additionally, it serves as a surname in Chinese culture.
When to use 巢
When using 巢 in conversation, be cautious about its context—it’s often used in informal settings. A common mistake is confusing it with other similar-sounding words; ensure you use it to describe nests or living spaces specifically. It frequently collocates with words like 鸟 (bird) to form 'bird's nest' (鸟巢).
巢 or something close to it
窝 (wō) - use 巢 (cháo) for nests built by birds or animals, while 窝 (wō) often refers to a den or lair, particularly for animals.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 巢 with similar characters like 超 (chāo), which means 'to surpass'. For example, saying '我有一个超' (I have a surpass) instead of '我有一个巢' (I have a nest) is incorrect.
Write 巢
巢
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Practice writing 巢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 巢
巢 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 4
Complete the Sentence
最好能克制住好奇心，不要去碰鸟____。
It is best to stifle curiosity and leave birds' nests alone.
