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狹 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
狹xiánarrow, limited; narrow-mindedx, 10 strokes, radical 犭
xiá(xia2)xia T2
  1. 1narrow, limited; narrow-minded
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March 24, 2026

狹xiá(xia2)

The character 狹 (xiá) means 'narrow' or 'limited' and can describe physical spaces as well as abstract concepts like limited viewpoints. It is commonly used to convey a sense of restriction or a lack of breadth, whether in context of dimensions or perspectives.

Strokes10Radical犭
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, being '狹隘' can refer not just to physical spaces but also to a person's mindset, emphasizing the value placed on open-mindedness and broad perspectives. This reflects the importance of harmony and understanding in social interactions.

Memory tip

Imagine a narrow alley where two people can barely pass each other. The character 狹 has the radical for 'dog' (犭) which suggests a tight space where even a dog might feel cramped. The pronunciation 'xiá' sounds like 'shy,' which you might feel in a narrow situation.

Meanings of 狹

xiá(xia2)
1narrow, limited; narrow-minded
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 狹 means.

About 狹

狹Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 狹

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Podcast: 狹

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AI study notes for 狹

Quick Contrast

狹 (narrow) vs 窄 (narrow, tight) — use 狹 for physical spaces or abstract limitations, while 窄 often refers specifically to width.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 狹 with 宽 (kuān), which means 'wide.' This character can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '狹隘' (xiá'ài) meaning 'narrow-minded.' Ensure to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 狹 is not explicitly included in HSK levels, it connects well with other adjectives describing dimensions and qualities. Focus on using it in descriptive sentences to enhance your vocabulary related to space and views.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 狹 (narrow) with 窄 (zhǎi), which also means 'narrow' but can imply a tighter space. For example, saying '这个房间很狭' (This room is very narrow) is correct, but using 窄 here would be more appropriate in certain contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 狹

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Etymology of 狹

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

Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 夹 represents the sound. Simplified form of 狹.

Memory hint

dog

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

Origin

狹 = 犭 + 夾. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 狹

IDS Structure⿰犭夾
狹Full character
=
犭quan3
left
夾jia1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 狹?

How to say narrow, limited; narrow-minded in Chinese

“narrow, limited; narrow-minded” in Chinese is狹xiá

The character 狹 (xiá) means 'narrow' or 'limited' and can describe physical spaces as well as abstract concepts like limited viewpoints. It is commonly used to convey a sense of restriction or a lack of breadth, whether in context of dimensions or perspectives.

When to use 狹

Be cautious not to confuse 狹 with 宽 (kuān), which means 'wide.' This character can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases like '狹隘' (xiá'ài) meaning 'narrow-minded.' Ensure to use the correct tone to avoid misunderstandings.

狹 or something close to it

狹 (narrow) vs 窄 (narrow, tight) — use 狹 for physical spaces or abstract limitations, while 窄 often refers specifically to width.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mix up 狹 (narrow) with 窄 (zhǎi), which also means 'narrow' but can imply a tighter space. For example, saying '这个房间很狭' (This room is very narrow) is correct, but using 窄 here would be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Write 狹

狹

Practice writing 狹 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 狹

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

Words with 狹

What does 狭窄 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 狹

You can say '这条路很狭' (Zhè tiáo lù hěn xiá) meaning 'This road is very narrow.'

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