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缲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
缲qiāoto spool, to reelv, 16 strokes, radical 纟
缲qiāoto reel silk from cocoonsunknown, 16 strokes, radical 纟
缲qiāoto reel threadunknown, 16 strokes, radical 纟
缲sāoto spool, to reelv, 16 strokes, radical 纟
缲sāoto reel silk from cocoonsunknown, 16 strokes, radical 纟
缲sāoto reel threadunknown, 16 strokes, radical 纟
qiāo(qiao1)
primary
 T1
  1. 1to spool, to reel
  2. 2to reel silk from cocoons
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March 24, 2026

缲(繰)qiāo(qiao1)

The character 缲 (qiāo) refers to the action of spooling or reeling, particularly in the context of thread or silk. It is commonly used in textile production, where raw materials like silk are processed into usable threads, and can also imply a meticulous, careful approach to handling delicate materials.

Strokes16Radical纟
Cultural Note

The practice of reeling silk is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, especially in regions like Suzhou, which is famous for its silk production. The ability to spool silk is often associated with traditional craftsmanship and artistry.

Memory Tip

Imagine a spinning wheel where silk threads are being carefully reined in. The character 缲 looks like two threads ('丝', silk) being pulled together in a tight circle, representing the action of reeling. Remember 'qiāo' by visualizing a quiet, serene scene of a skilled artisan working with silk threads.

Meanings of 缲

qiāo(qiao1)
primary
1to spool, to reel
2to reel silk from cocoons
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 缲

缲Simplified
繰Traditional
16Strokes
纟Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 缲

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Podcast: 缲

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AI Study Notes for 缲

Usage Notes

This verb is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often found in contexts related to textile production or craftsmanship. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; pay attention to the tones and context when using it.

HSK Study Tips

Though 缲 is not in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK vocabulary related to textiles and craftsmanship, such as 丝 (sī, silk) and 线 (xiàn, thread). Students should focus on recognizing characters related to production and handling of materials in this domain.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 缲 (qiāo) with similar-sounding words like 交 (jiāo, to hand over) or 叫 (jiào, to call). Ensure to use the correct context when referring to textile actions to avoid confusion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 缲

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Etymology of 缲

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

thread

Semantic (meaning)纟
+
Phonetic (sound)喿
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 缲

  1. 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half喿 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaythread
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 缲? 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 缲?

Decomposition of 缲

IDS Structure⿰纟喿
缲Full Character
=
纟si1
left
喿zao4
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 缲?

How to say to spool, to reel in Chinese

“to spool, to reel” in Chinese is缲qiāo

The character 缲 (qiāo) refers to the action of spooling or reeling, particularly in the context of thread or silk. It is commonly used in textile production, where raw materials like silk are processed into usable threads, and can also imply a meticulous, careful approach to handling delicate materials.

When to use 缲

This verb is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in everyday conversation. It's often found in contexts related to textile production or craftsmanship. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; pay attention to the tones and context when using it.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 缲 (qiāo) with similar-sounding words like 交 (jiāo, to hand over) or 叫 (jiào, to call). Ensure to use the correct context when referring to textile actions to avoid confusion.

Write 缲

缲

Practice writing 缲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 缲

Words Containing This Character1
缲qiāoto reel silk from cocoons繰
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 缲 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 缲

No, 缲 is more specialized and is primarily used in contexts related to textiles and craftsmanship.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 缲?

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