intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
to twist (strands into a thread)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
to entangle
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
to hang (by the neck)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
to turn
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
to wind
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
绞
jiǎo
classifier for skeins of yarn
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Very Hard
jiǎo(jiao3) T3
1intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
2to twist (strands into a thread)
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March 24, 2026
绞(絞)jiǎo(jiao3)
The character 绞 (jiǎo) primarily means to twist or wring, often in contexts involving fabric or threads. It can also refer to the act of hanging, particularly in a historical or punitive sense, and is used as a classifier for skeins of yarn. Its versatility allows it to convey both physical actions and abstract concepts of entanglement.
Strokes9Radical纟Frequency#14181DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In historical China, 绞 (hanging) was a common method of execution, reflecting the harsh legal practices of the time. This character also connects to traditional crafts such as weaving, which hold cultural significance in many regions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong person named 'Jiao' twisting and wringing out a wet towel. The character 绞 looks like a twisted piece of yarn that is being wrung out, reminding you of the action it represents. Visualize 'Jiao' hanging a towel to dry, reinforcing the idea of twisting and hanging.
Meanings of 绞
jiǎo(jiao3)
1intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
2to twist (strands into a thread)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绞
绞Simplified
絞Traditional
9Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 绞
Podcast: 绞
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AI Study Notes for 绞
Quick Contrast
拧 (nǐng) — use 绞 for twisting or wringing, especially in fabric contexts, while 拧 is more general for twisting, often without the implication of fabric.
Usage Notes
Beware of mixing up 绞 (jiǎo) with similar-sounding characters; context is crucial. Although it can be used in both formal and informal situations, the usage related to hanging has a somber tone and should be approached delicately. Common collocations include 绞尽脑汁 (to wring one's brain for ideas) and 绞刑 (hanging punishment).
HSK Study Tips
While 绞 is not part of the HSK levels, understanding it can help expand vocabulary related to actions and punishments. Students should focus on its various meanings and practice using it in different contexts, particularly in writing and conversation about fabric or historical references.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绞 (jiǎo) with 搅 (jiǎo), which means to stir. For example, saying '我在绞汤' (I am twisting the soup) instead of '我在搅汤' (I am stirring the soup) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绞
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Phonosemantic compound. 纟 represents the meaning and 交 represents the sound. Simplified form of 絞.
1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
2The sound half交 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaythread
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 绞? 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 绞?
Decomposition of 绞
IDS Structure⿰纟交
绞Full Character
=
纟si1
left
交jiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 绞?
How to say intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal in Chinese
“intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal” in Chinese is绞jiǎo
The character 绞 (jiǎo) primarily means to twist or wring, often in contexts involving fabric or threads. It can also refer to the act of hanging, particularly in a historical or punitive sense, and is used as a classifier for skeins of yarn. Its versatility allows it to convey both physical actions and abstract concepts of entanglement.
When to use 绞
Beware of mixing up 绞 (jiǎo) with similar-sounding characters; context is crucial. Although it can be used in both formal and informal situations, the usage related to hanging has a somber tone and should be approached delicately. Common collocations include 绞尽脑汁 (to wring one's brain for ideas) and 绞刑 (hanging punishment).
绞 or something close to it
拧 (nǐng) — use 绞 for twisting or wringing, especially in fabric contexts, while 拧 is more general for twisting, often without the implication of fabric.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 绞 (jiǎo) with 搅 (jiǎo), which means to stir. For example, saying '我在绞汤' (I am twisting the soup) instead of '我在搅汤' (I am stirring the soup) is incorrect.
Write 绞
绞
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Practice writing 绞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 绞
绞 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 7 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
Complete the Sentence
我____尽脑汁，处心积虑，就是为了让他嫉妒。
I worked myself into frenzy plotting ways to make him jealous.
Example Sentences for 绞 (8)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我绞尽脑汁，处心积虑，就是为了让他嫉妒。
wǒ jiǎo jìn nǎo zhī， ， chǔ xīn jī， lǜ ， jiù shì wéi le ràng tā。
I worked myself into frenzy plotting ways to make him jealous.
