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March 24, 2026
绍(紹)shào(Shao4)
The character 绍 (shào) primarily means 'to introduce' or 'to connect.' It is often used in contexts involving social introductions or continuation of a topic or action. In addition to its usage as a verb, it can also refer to the surname Shao, commonly found in Chinese culture.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#36559DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, introductions are a significant social norm, often involving formalities and respect. The act of introducing someone can reflect the value placed on relationships and networks in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a string that connects two people in a conversation, representing the act of introducing them. The character 绍 has a component that looks like a thread (亅) symbolizing connection, and the pronunciation 'shào' sounds like 'show,' as in showing someone to another person.
Meanings of 绍
shào(Shao4)
1to continue
2to carry on
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 绍
绍Simplified
紹Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#36559Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绍
Podcast: 绍
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AI Study Notes for 绍
Quick Contrast
介绍 (jièshào) vs 传递 (chuándì) — use 绍 (shào) when emphasizing the act of introducing in a social context, while 介绍 (jièshào) is more general for any introduction, and 传递 (chuándì) focuses on the act of conveying information.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal introductions, the character 绍 can be mistaken for similar-sounding words. Be cautious with the tone; it's in the fourth tone (shào), not the second (sháo). Typical collocations include 介绍 (jièshào, to introduce) and 绍介 (shàojiè, to introduce or recommend).
HSK Study Tips
Although 绍 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enhance comprehension of phrases involving introductions. Students should focus on its usage in social contexts and practice forming sentences with related terms like 介绍.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绍 with 介绍 (jièshào) and may mistakenly use it as a standalone introduction without context. For instance, saying '我绍他' (Wǒ shào tā) is incorrect; it should be '我介绍他' (Wǒ jièshào tā).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绍
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How Well Do You Know 绍?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 绍 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.
绍 = 纟 + 召. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 绍
IDS Structure⿰纟召
绍Full Character
=
纟si1
left
召Shao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 绍?
How to say surname Shao in Chinese
“surname Shao” in Chinese is绍shào
The character 绍 (shào) primarily means 'to introduce' or 'to connect.' It is often used in contexts involving social introductions or continuation of a topic or action. In addition to its usage as a verb, it can also refer to the surname Shao, commonly found in Chinese culture.
When to use 绍
Commonly used in formal introductions, the character 绍 can be mistaken for similar-sounding words. Be cautious with the tone; it's in the fourth tone (shào), not the second (sháo). Typical collocations include 介绍 (jièshào, to introduce) and 绍介 (shàojiè, to introduce or recommend).
绍 or something close to it
介绍 (jièshào) vs 传递 (chuándì) — use 绍 (shào) when emphasizing the act of introducing in a social context, while 介绍 (jièshào) is more general for any introduction, and 传递 (chuándì) focuses on the act of conveying information.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 绍 with 介绍 (jièshào) and may mistakenly use it as a standalone introduction without context. For instance, saying '我绍他' (Wǒ shào tā) is incorrect; it should be '我介绍他' (Wǒ jièshào tā).
Write 绍
绍
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Grammar Patterns of 绍
绍 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 4 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.
