unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #66506, Very Hard
桡
ráo
bone of the forearm
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #66506, Very Hard
ráo(rao2) T2
1radius, forearm; a bent or twisted piece of wood
2radius (anatomy)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
桡(橈)ráo(rao2)
The character 桡 (ráo) primarily refers to the radius, which is one of the bones in the forearm. It can also denote a bent or twisted piece of wood, reflecting its physical properties. In anatomy, it specifically describes the bone that runs along the thumb side of the forearm.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#66506DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones and their connections to overall health is crucial, making terms like 桡 significant in discussions about physical wellbeing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'raging' river (ráo) that twists and bends through the landscape, just like the radius bone curves in your forearm. The character combines the wood radical (木) with the phonetic component (交), suggesting the twisted nature of both wood and the bone.
Meanings of 桡
ráo(rao2)
1radius, forearm; a bent or twisted piece of wood
2radius (anatomy)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 桡
桡Simplified
橈Traditional
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 桡
Podcast: 桡
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 桡
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'raging' river (ráo) that twists and bends through the landscape, just like the radius bone curves in your forearm. The character combines the wood radical (木) with the phonetic component (交), suggesting the twisted nature of both wood and the bone.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 桡 with similar-sounding terms. This character is more formal and technical, often used in medical or anatomical contexts. Be careful with pronunciation, as the tone can easily shift meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Though not currently in the HSK vocabulary lists, 桡 relates to anatomy and medicine, which are common themes in intermediate levels. Focus on understanding its use in medical texts and how it connects with other bone-related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones and their connections to overall health is crucial, making terms like 桡 significant in discussions about physical wellbeing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 桡 with the character for 'arm' (臂). For example, saying '我有桡痛' (wǒ yǒu ráo tòng) instead of '我有臂痛' (wǒ yǒu bì tòng) to indicate arm pain is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 桡
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 桡 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 桡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 桡
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the understanding of bones and their connections to overall health is crucial, making terms like 桡 significant in discussions about physical wellbeing.
Word Family of 桡
Words Containing This Character2
桡骨radius (anatomy)橈骨
桡ráoradius (anatomy)橈
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 桡骨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 桡
桡 refers specifically to the radius bone in the forearm.
While it is primarily used in medical contexts, it may not frequently appear in casual conversation.
