Meanings of 枭
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About 枭
Podcast: 枭
Podcast: 枭
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AI Study Notes for 枭
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 枭, as ‘xiāo’ has a high level tone that can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is more formal and may be less commonly used in everyday conversation, often appearing in literary or poetic contexts. Common collocations include '枭雄' (xiāo xióng), meaning a 'valiant hero' or 'tyrant.'
While 枭 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other HSK words describing animals or character traits. Students should focus on understanding how this character fits into broader themes of nature and morality in Chinese literature, which often features animals symbolically.
Learners often confuse 枭 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with 雄 (xióng), which means 'hero' or 'male,' is common. Remember that 枭 specifically refers to an owl and can have negative connotations.
Pronunciation of 枭
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Etymology of 枭
A bird 鸟 roosting in a tree 木
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 枭
- 1The giveawayA bird 鸟 roosting in a tree 木
- 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 枭? 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 枭?
Decomposition of 枭
Identify the Components
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How to say owl; evil; brave in Chinese
“owl; evil; brave” in Chinese is枭
The character 枭 (xiāo) primarily refers to an 'owl,' which is often associated with wisdom and mystery in various cultures. In a more nuanced context, it can also imply qualities such as bravery or valiance, and it has a negative connotation when referring to a 'trafficker' or someone who engages in nefarious activities.
When to use 枭
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 枭, as ‘xiāo’ has a high level tone that can be easily confused with other similar-sounding words. This character is more formal and may be less commonly used in everyday conversation, often appearing in literary or poetic contexts. Common collocations include '枭雄' (xiāo xióng), meaning a 'valiant hero' or 'tyrant.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 枭 with other similar-sounding characters. For example, mixing it up with 雄 (xióng), which means 'hero' or 'male,' is common. Remember that 枭 specifically refers to an owl and can have negative connotations.
Write 枭
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Practice writing 枭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 枭
In Western cultures, owls are often viewed purely as symbols of wisdom, while in Chinese culture, they embody a more complex mix of traits including both wisdom and malevolence.
Word Family of 枭
Compound Meaning
What does 毒枭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 枭
The primary meaning of 枭 is 'owl,' but it can also refer to someone who is brave or a trafficker.
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