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March 24, 2026
狭(狹)xiá(xia2)
The character 狭 (xiá) means 'narrow' and can also describe a limited viewpoint or perspective, often referred to as 'narrow-minded.' It is commonly used in both physical contexts, like describing spaces, and metaphorical contexts, such as opinions or attitudes.
Strokes9Radical犭Frequency#15025DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being described as 狭-minded (狭隘) is often viewed negatively, as it reflects a lack of openness to diverse ideas and perspectives, which can be important in social and professional interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a narrow alley (狭) where only one person can pass through at a time. The character has the radical 犬 (dog) on the left, hinting at the idea of a dog being trapped in a narrow space, while the right side can remind you of a small area.
Meanings of 狭
xiá(xia2)
1narrow
2narrow-minded
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 狭
狭Simplified
狹Traditional
9Strokes
犭Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#15025Frequency Rank
Podcast: 狭
Podcast: 狭
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AI Study Notes for 狭
Quick Contrast
狭 (narrow) vs 窄 (narrow, tight) — use 狭 when describing limited viewpoints or perspectives, while 窄 is more commonly used for physical dimensions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a narrow alley (狭) where only one person can pass through at a time. The character has the radical 犬 (dog) on the left, hinting at the idea of a dog being trapped in a narrow space, while the right side can remind you of a small area.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 狭 (narrow) with 宽 (kuān, wide). This character is used in both formal and informal contexts but tends to appear in academic or literary discussions when referring to viewpoints. Pay attention to tone; xiá is pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 狭 is not officially listed in the HSK levels, it's useful for learners at HSK 3-4, particularly when studying adjectives. Focus on using it in sentences that describe both physical spaces and abstract ideas, linking it with other adjectives like 宽 (wide).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being described as 狭-minded (狭隘) is often viewed negatively, as it reflects a lack of openness to diverse ideas and perspectives, which can be important in social and professional interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 狭 with the similar-sounding word 霞 (xiá, rosy clouds). For example, saying '这条路很霞' (This road is very rosy) is incorrect; it should be '这条路很狭' (This road is very narrow).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狭
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Grammar Patterns of 狭
狭 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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
在这条____窄的走廊上，不断有人撞到我。
Various men kept banging into me in the narrow corridor.
Various men kept banging into me in the narrow corridor.
2
这实质上是一种狭隘的、因循守旧的照顾孩子的方法。
zhè shí zhì shàng shì yī zhǒng xiá ài de、 、 yīn xún shǒu jiù de zhào gù hái zǐ de fāng。
It is essentially a narrow and conservative approach to child care.
3
他们的判断是基于一种狭隘的世界观。
tā mén de pàn duàn shì jī yú yī zhǒng xiá ài de shì jiè guān。
They're making judgments based on a narrowly focused vision of the world.
4
休闲中心是一个狭长而低矮的现代建筑。
xiū xián zhōng xīn shì yī gè xiá cháng ér dī ǎi de xiàn dài jiàn zhù。
The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.
5
他被指无趣乏味，古板守旧，心胸狭窄。
tā bèi zhǐ wú qù fá wèi， ， gǔ bǎn shǒu， jiù ， xīn xiōng。
He was criticised for being boring, strait-laced and narrow-minded.
6
他转向自己居住的那条夹在排房间的狭窄街道。
tā zhuǎn xiàng zì jǐ jū zhù de nà tiáo jiā zài pái fáng jiān de xiá zhǎi jiē dào。
He turned into the narrow terraced street where he lived.
7
帆船停泊在狭窄的水道上。
fān chuán tíng bó zài xiá zhǎi de shuǐ dào shàng。
Sailing boats lay at anchor in the narrow waterway.
8
他们在狭窄的街道上和警察打起了游击战。
tā mén zài xiá zhǎi de jiē dào shàng hé jǐng chá dǎ qǐ le yóu jī zhàn。
They fought running battles in the narrow streets with police.
9
他从围栏上的狭窄缺口里挤了过去。
tā cóng wéi lán shàng de xiá zhǎi quē kǒu lǐ jǐ le guò qù。
He squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence.
10
很遗憾，我们不得不让住户挤在这些狭小的公寓里。
hěn yí hàn， ， wǒ mén bù dé bù ràng zhù hù jǐ zài zhè xiē xiá xiǎo de gōng yù。
Regrettably we have to house families in these inadequate flats.
Cultural Notes for 狭
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being described as 狭-minded (狭隘) is often viewed negatively, as it reflects a lack of openness to diverse ideas and perspectives, which can be important in social and professional interactions.
Word Family of 狭
Words Containing This Character10
狭窄xiázhǎinarrow狹窄
狭xiánarrow狹
狭小xiáxiǎonarrow狹小
狭隘xiá’àinarrow狹隘
狭长long and narrow狹長
狭义narrow sense狹義
狭路相逢fig. enemies or rivals meet face to face狹路相逢
偏狭prejudiced偏狹
窄狭narrow窄狹
褊狭narrow褊狹
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 狭窄 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 狭
You can say '这条街很狭' (This street is very narrow).
No, it can also refer to narrow-mindedness in opinions or attitudes, such as '他的想法很狭隘' (His ideas are very narrow-minded).
The opposite is 宽 (kuān), which means 'wide.'
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