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礁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
礁
jiāo
jetty, reef
n, 17 strokes, radical 石, rank #18272, Very Hard
礁
jiāo
shoal rock
unknown, 17 strokes, radical 石, rank #18272, Very Hard
jiāo(jiao1)jiao T1
1jetty, reef
2shoal rock
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March 24, 2026
礁jiāo(jiao1)
The character '礁' (jiāo) refers to a submerged rock or reef that can be hazardous to navigation. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine environments, especially when discussing sailing, fishing, or coastal geography. Understanding this term is essential for those interested in marine biology or maritime travel.
Strokes17Radical石Frequency#18272DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In coastal communities in China, the concept of reefs is vital for fishing practices and environmental conservation, reflecting a deep relationship with the sea. The protection of reefs is often emphasized in discussions about marine biodiversity.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant 'jiāo' (jetty) sticking out of the water, like a rock that could trip up a boat. The character '礁' has the radical for 'stone' (石) at the bottom, reminding you that it relates to rocks in the sea.
Meanings of 礁
jiāo(jiao1)
1jetty, reef
2shoal rock
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 礁 means.
About 礁
礁Simplified
17Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 礁
Podcast: 礁
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AI study notes for 礁
Usage Notes
This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about marine issues. A common mistake is to confuse '礁' with '桥' (qiáo), which means 'bridge'; remember that '礁' specifically relates to underwater rocks. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While '礁' is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other marine-related vocabulary at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in context and associating it with words like '海洋' (hǎiyáng - ocean) and '航行' (hángxíng - navigation).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '礁' (jiāo) with similar-sounding words. For example, some might mistakenly say '桥' (qiáo), meaning bridge, when referring to underwater structures. Always remember that '礁' is specifically about underwater rocks.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 礁
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Learning Lab
Knowing 礁 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
礁 = 石 + 焦. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 礁
IDS Structure⿰石焦
礁Full character
=
石dan4
left
焦Jiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 礁?
How to say jetty, reef in Chinese
“jetty, reef” in Chinese is礁jiāo
The character '礁' (jiāo) refers to a submerged rock or reef that can be hazardous to navigation. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine environments, especially when discussing sailing, fishing, or coastal geography. Understanding this term is essential for those interested in marine biology or maritime travel.
When to use 礁
This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about marine issues. A common mistake is to confuse '礁' with '桥' (qiáo), which means 'bridge'; remember that '礁' specifically relates to underwater rocks. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '礁' (jiāo) with similar-sounding words. For example, some might mistakenly say '桥' (qiáo), meaning bridge, when referring to underwater structures. Always remember that '礁' is specifically about underwater rocks.
Write 礁
礁
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Practice writing 礁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 礁
礁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们触____时离海岸仅有500码。
When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.
Example sentences for 礁 (10)
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1
他们触礁时离海岸仅有500码。
tāmen chù jiāo shí lí hǎi’àn jǐn yǒu500 mǎ。
When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.
2
老舵手掉转了船的航向,我们才避免了一次撞击礁石的危险.
lǎo duòshǒu diào zhuǎi le chuán de háng xiàng, wǒmen cái bìmiǎn le yī cì zhuàngjī jiāoshí de wēixiǎn.
The old helmsman brought us about and we avoided a dangerous dash against the rocks.
