unknown, 11 strokes, radical 王, rank #38226, Very Hard
suǒ(suo3) T3
1petty; trifling; troublesome
2fragmentary
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March 24, 2026
琐(瑣)suǒ(suo3)
The character 琐 (suǒ) conveys the idea of something being petty, trifling, or insignificant. It is often used in contexts where issues or details are considered bothersome or fragmentary, suggesting a sense of annoyance or triviality about these matters.
Strokes11Radical王Frequency#38226DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is often a significant emphasis on harmony and avoiding unnecessary disputes, making琐事 (trivial matters) something to be mindful of in social interactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small, shiny piece of jewelry (琐) that is so tiny and trivial that it gets lost easily. The character has the radical for 'jade' (王), representing something precious, but combined with the idea of being 'trifling,' it creates a contrast between value and insignificance.
Meanings of 琐
suǒ(suo3)
1petty; trifling; troublesome
2fragmentary
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 琐
琐Simplified
瑣Traditional
11Strokes
王Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 琐
Podcast: 琐
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AI Study Notes for 琐
Quick Contrast
琐 (suǒ) vs 微 (wēi) — use 琐 for trivial matters that are bothersome, while 微 emphasizes something small or minute without the negative connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a small, shiny piece of jewelry (琐) that is so tiny and trivial that it gets lost easily. The character has the radical for 'jade' (王), representing something precious, but combined with the idea of being 'trifling,' it creates a contrast between value and insignificance.
Usage Notes
琐 is often used in negative contexts to describe things that are bothersome or unimportant. It is essential to use it with the right tone, as it can come off as dismissive if used inappropriately. Common collocations include 琐事 (suǒ shì), meaning 'trivial matters'.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of HSK vocabulary, 琐 connects with words related to triviality and pettiness. Students should focus on recognizing it in phrases and practice using it to describe minor issues in conversations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is often a significant emphasis on harmony and avoiding unnecessary disputes, making琐事 (trivial matters) something to be mindful of in social interactions.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 琐 with similar-sounding words like 锁 (suǒ), which means 'lock'. For example, saying '我有很多琐' instead of '我有很多琐事' is incorrect; the latter is the proper way to refer to 'trivial matters'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 琐
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Grammar Patterns of 琐
琐 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他指责我为丁点____事大惊小怪。
He accused me of making a great fuss about trivialities.
Example Sentences for 琐 (6)
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1
他指责我为丁点琐事大惊小怪。
tā zhǐ zé wǒ wéi dīng diǎn suǒ shì dà jīng xiǎo guài。
He accused me of making a great fuss about trivialities.
tā de gōng zuò hěn kuài jiù suō xiǎo dào zhī shèng xiē fán suǒ de lì háng gōng shì, , gān zháo yě jué dé hěn bù guāng.
The job had become reduced quickly to its onerous humiliating routine.
5
这里,我们要不嫌繁琐,多说几句.
zhè lǐ, , wǒ mén yào bù xián fán, suǒ , duō shuō.
At this point we are exposing ourselves to the charge of redundancy.
6
一天到晚,他尽在簿子上记些琐琐屑屑的事情.
yī tiān dào wǎn, , tā jìn zài bù zǐ shàng jì xiē suǒ suǒ xiè xiè de shì.
All day he wrote little facts upon the pad.
Cultural Notes for 琐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is often a significant emphasis on harmony and avoiding unnecessary disputes, making琐事 (trivial matters) something to be mindful of in social interactions.
Word Family of 琐
Words Containing This Character10
猥琐vulgar猥瑣
琐事trifle瑣事
琐碎trifling瑣碎
繁琐many and complicated繁瑣
烦琐tedious煩瑣
琐suǒtrifling瑣
琐屑trivial matters瑣屑
琐细trivial瑣細
琐记miscellaneous notes瑣記
琐闻news items瑣聞
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 猥琐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 琐
You can say '这些琐事让我很烦.' which means 'These trifling matters annoy me.'
Yes, 琐 typically carries a negative connotation, implying annoyance or insignificance.
It's uncommon to use 琐 directly to describe a person; it's more appropriate for matters or issues.
