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檮 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
檮táowood block; idiot, blockheadzg, 18 strokes, radical 木
táo(tao2)tao T2
  1. 1wood block; idiot, blockhead
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March 24, 2026

檮táo(tao2)

The character 檮 (táo) primarily refers to a type of wood block, often used in traditional Chinese musical instruments or for crafting. Additionally, in colloquial usage, it can serve as a derogatory term for someone perceived as foolish or slow-witted, akin to calling someone an 'idiot' or 'blockhead'.

Strokes18Radical木
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, wood has significant importance, often symbolizing strength and endurance, which contrasts sharply with its informal use to imply weakness of intellect. This dual meaning reflects the complexity of language in expressing both tangible and intangible attributes.

Memory tip

Imagine a thick, sturdy wooden block (檮) that is too heavy for someone to lift, representing someone who is 'stuck' or 'slow' in their thinking, thus becoming an idiot. The radical 木 (wood) emphasizes the wooden aspect of the character, while the sound 'táo' can remind you of 'tall', as in a tall block of wood.

Meanings of 檮

táo(tao2)
1wood block; idiot, blockhead
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 檮

檮Simplified
18Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 檮

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AI study notes for 檮

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the informal use of 檮, as calling someone an idiot can be offensive and is best reserved for close friends or in light-hearted banter. Common collocations include phrases like '檮人' (táo rén) for 'blockhead'. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it as 'tào' can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 檮 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it can be related to other words about materials and characteristics of people. Focus on the context in which it appears, especially in colloquial or idiomatic expressions, to enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 檮 with similar sounding characters like 逃 (táo, to escape), leading to incorrect meanings. Remember, 檮 specifically relates to wood or foolishness, while 逃 relates to actions.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 檮

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Etymology of 檮

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)壽
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

檮 = 木 + 壽. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 檮

IDS Structure⿰木壽
檮Full character
=
木Mu4
left
壽shou4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 檮?

How to say wood block; idiot, blockhead in Chinese

“wood block; idiot, blockhead” in Chinese is檮táo

The character 檮 (táo) primarily refers to a type of wood block, often used in traditional Chinese musical instruments or for crafting. Additionally, in colloquial usage, it can serve as a derogatory term for someone perceived as foolish or slow-witted, akin to calling someone an 'idiot' or 'blockhead'.

When to use 檮

Be cautious with the informal use of 檮, as calling someone an idiot can be offensive and is best reserved for close friends or in light-hearted banter. Common collocations include phrases like '檮人' (táo rén) for 'blockhead'. Remember to use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it as 'tào' can change the meaning.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 檮 with similar sounding characters like 逃 (táo, to escape), leading to incorrect meanings. Remember, 檮 specifically relates to wood or foolishness, while 逃 relates to actions.

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檮

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Word Family of 檮

Words containing this character1
梼táodunce檮
Exercise 1 of 1

Characters with 檮

What does 梼 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 檮

It can refer to a type of wooden block used in crafts or music, and in slang, it can describe someone as foolish.

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