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March 24, 2026
窍(竅)qiào(qiao4)
The character 窍 (qiào) primarily refers to a hole, opening, or orifice in various contexts, including physical spaces and human anatomy. Additionally, it can be used figuratively to describe the key to understanding or solving a problem, emphasizing insight or cleverness.
Strokes10Radical穴Frequency#17417DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, understanding the '窍' or key to a problem is often linked to wisdom and intelligence, reflecting the value placed on clever solutions in classical literature and philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a curious cat peeking through a small hole (窍) in a fence, representing both the literal opening and the idea of finding a clever way to solve a problem. The sound 'qiào' resembles the sound of a cat's 'meow' as it discovers new insights through the opening.
Meanings of 窍
qiào(qiao4)
1hole
2opening
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 窍
窍Simplified
竅Traditional
10Strokes
穴Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#17417Frequency Rank
Podcast: 窍
Podcast: 窍
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AI Study Notes for 窍
Quick Contrast
窍 (qiào) vs 洞 (dòng) — use 窍 for figurative insights or cleverness, while 洞 refers specifically to a physical hole or cavity.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 窍 with similar characters like孔 (kǒng), which means 'hole' but in a different context. This character is used in both informal and formal settings, often appearing in phrases related to understanding or wisdom, such as 知道窍门 (zhīdào qiàomén), meaning 'know the trick (to something)'.
HSK Study Tips
While 窍 is not included in the HSK lists, it relates to HSK Level 3-4 vocabulary focusing on basic nouns and figurative expressions. Students should practice using it in both physical and metaphorical contexts to enhance comprehension and usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 窍 when they mean孔 (kǒng) in contexts that only refer to physical openings, like 'the hole in the wall'. Instead, use 窍 when discussing insights or keys to understanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窍
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Phonosemantic compound. 穴 represents the meaning and 巧 represents the sound. Simplified form of 竅.
1The meaning half穴 carries the sense.
2The sound half巧 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhole
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 窍? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 窍?
Decomposition of 窍
IDS Structure⿱穴巧
窍Full Character
=
穴xue2
top
巧qiao3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 窍?
How to say hole in Chinese
“hole” in Chinese is窍qiào
The character 窍 (qiào) primarily refers to a hole, opening, or orifice in various contexts, including physical spaces and human anatomy. Additionally, it can be used figuratively to describe the key to understanding or solving a problem, emphasizing insight or cleverness.
When to use 窍
Learners often confuse 窍 with similar characters like孔 (kǒng), which means 'hole' but in a different context. This character is used in both informal and formal settings, often appearing in phrases related to understanding or wisdom, such as 知道窍门 (zhīdào qiàomén), meaning 'know the trick (to something)'.
窍 or something close to it
窍 (qiào) vs 洞 (dòng) — use 窍 for figurative insights or cleverness, while 洞 refers specifically to a physical hole or cavity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 窍 when they mean孔 (kǒng) in contexts that only refer to physical openings, like 'the hole in the wall'. Instead, use 窍 when discussing insights or keys to understanding.
Write 窍
窍
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Practice writing 窍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 窍
窍 carries 5 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
刚开始有点儿难，掌握____门后就好了。
It'sa bit tricky at first till you get the hang of it.
