cable, rope; rules, laws; to demand, to exact; to search, to inquire
nr, 10 strokes, radical 糸, rank #4401, Hard
索
Suǒ
abbr. for 索馬里|索马里[Suo3 ma3 li3], Somalia
unknown, 10 strokes, radical 糸, rank #4401, Hard
Suǒ(Suo3) T3
1abbr. for 索馬里
2>索马里[Suǒ mǎ lǐ], Somalia
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March 24, 2026
索Suǒ(Suo3)
The character 索 (suǒ) has multiple meanings, including a surname and references to Somalia. In addition to its use as a name, it commonly means 'to search' or 'to demand,' often used in contexts where one is requesting something or looking for information. The character can also refer to large ropes or cables, symbolizing connectivity or binding.
Strokes10Radical糸Frequency#4401DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The character 索 connects to the practice of searching or demanding in various aspects of Chinese culture, reflecting the importance of inquiry in both personal and professional interactions, such as negotiating contracts or seeking information.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person named Suo holding a large rope (the shape of 索 resembles a rope being held tightly) while searching for something they lost. This visual connection between the character's form and its meanings will help you remember both the pronunciation and the concept.
Meanings of 索
Suǒ(Suo3)
1abbr. for 索馬里
2to search
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 索
索Simplified
10Strokes
糸Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#4401Frequency Rank
Podcast: 索
Podcast: 索
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AI Study Notes for 索
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person named Suo holding a large rope (the shape of 索 resembles a rope being held tightly) while searching for something they lost. This visual connection between the character's form and its meanings will help you remember both the pronunciation and the concept.
Usage Notes
When using 索, it's important to be aware of its context; it can carry formal connotations when referring to laws or demands. Common collocations include 索要 (to demand) and 索取 (to request). New learners often confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to the tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 索 is not categorized under a specific HSK level, it is beneficial for learners to connect it with related words that involve searching or demanding. Focus on practicing the pronunciation and understanding its use in different contexts to solidify its meaning.
Cultural Note
The character 索 connects to the practice of searching or demanding in various aspects of Chinese culture, reflecting the importance of inquiry in both personal and professional interactions, such as negotiating contracts or seeking information.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 索 with other similar characters like 所 (suǒ), which means 'place.' A common mistake is saying 索所 (suǒ suǒ) instead of just 索 when intending to say 'to demand.' Always remember that 索 focuses on the action of searching or demanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 索
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Grammar Patterns of 索
索 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 11 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.
When Sotomayor is on form he is virtually invincible.
Cultural Notes for 索
🏮Cultural insight
The character 索 connects to the practice of searching or demanding in various aspects of Chinese culture, reflecting the importance of inquiry in both personal and professional interactions, such as negotiating contracts or seeking information.
Word Family of 索
Compounds3
嗦suo1suck
鎍
溹
Words Containing This Character20
线索xiànsuǒtrail線索
搜索sōusuǒto search (a place)
探索tànsuǒto explore
索Suǒto search
索尼Sony
检索to look up檢索
勒索to blackmail
索赔suǒpéito claim damages索賠
思索sīsuǒto ponder
摸索mōsuǒto feel about
绳索rope繩索
索要to ask for
索取suǒqǔto ask
索性suǒxìngsimply
索马里Somalia索馬裡
毕加索Picasso畢加索
利索lìsuonimble
敲诈勒索extortion and blackmail (idiom)敲詐勒索
导火索dǎohuǒsuǒfuse (for explosive)導火索
索引index
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嗦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 索
The character 索 has multiple meanings including to ask, to exact, and referring to a large rope. It is also an abbreviation for Somalia in Chinese, showcasing its versatility in different contexts.
Yes, 索 (Suǒ) is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common surnames. People with this surname may have various family histories and can be found in different regions of the country.
You can use 索 (suǒ) in sentences like '我想索取一些信息' (Wǒ xiǎng suǒqǔ yīxiē xìnxī), which means 'I would like to request some information.' It can also be used in contexts where you are demanding something or asking for clarification.
索 (suǒ) can mean to ask or to exact something. It is also used as an abbreviation for 索馬里 (Suo3 ma3 li3), which means Somalia. Additionally, it can refer to a large rope or convey the idea of being isolated.
In everyday conversation, 索 can mean to ask for something or to demand it, often used in formal requests.
No, while 索 can be a surname, it also has meanings related to searching and demanding.
It is pronounced as suǒ, with the third tone, which might sound like a questioning tone.
