unknown, 14 strokes, radical 氵, rank #86409, Very Hard
cáo(cao2) T2
1canal, watercourse; to transport by sea
2transport by water
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
漕cáo(cao2)
The character 漕 (cáo) refers to a canal or watercourse, often used in contexts related to transportation by water. It can also signify the act of transporting goods via waterways, emphasizing the importance of rivers and canals in trade and logistics in Chinese history.
Strokes14Radical氵Frequency#86409DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The concept of canals is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, with famous examples like the Grand Canal, which played a crucial role in economic development and cultural exchange throughout Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'canal' that flows with 'c' for 'c'anoe and 'ao' like 'awe' as you marvel at its expanse. The character's water radical 氵suggests its connection to water, making it easier to remember that 漕 relates to transport and waterways.
Meanings of 漕
cáo(cao2)
1canal, watercourse; to transport by sea
2transport by water
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 漕
漕Simplified
14Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 漕
Podcast: 漕
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 漕
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'canal' that flows with 'c' for 'c'anoe and 'ao' like 'awe' as you marvel at its expanse. The character's water radical 氵suggests its connection to water, making it easier to remember that 漕 relates to transport and waterways.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 漕, as it primarily relates to water transport and may not be suitable in all transportation contexts. Common collocations include 漕运 (cáoyùn - water transport) and 漕河 (cáohé - canal). Ensure you use the correct tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 漕 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 3 topics like waterways and transport. Focus on recognizing the radical 氵 for water-related words, enhancing your understanding of related vocabulary.
Cultural Note
The concept of canals is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, with famous examples like the Grand Canal, which played a crucial role in economic development and cultural exchange throughout Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 漕 with similar-sounding characters, such as 操 (cāo), which means to handle or operate. For example, saying '我喜欢漕车' (Wǒ xǐhuān cáo chē - I like to drive a vehicle) is incorrect; instead, use '我喜欢开车' (Wǒ xǐhuān kāichē).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 漕
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 漕 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 漕 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 漕
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of canals is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, with famous examples like the Grand Canal, which played a crucial role in economic development and cultural exchange throughout Chinese history.
Word Family of 漕
Words Containing This Character2
漕cáocanal
漕运to ship grain as tax漕運
Exercise 1 of 2
Compound Meaning
What does 漕 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 漕
The correct pronunciation is 'cáo' with a rising tone.
No, 漕 specifically refers to water transportation and should not be used for land transport.
Common phrases include 漕运 (cáoyùn - water transport) and 漕河 (cáohé - canal).
