HSK 3, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1516, Medium
脑
nǎo
mind
HSK 3, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1516, Medium
脑
nǎo
head
HSK 3, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1516, Medium
脑
nǎo
essence
HSK 3, n, 10 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1516, Medium
nǎo(nao3) T3
1brain
2mind
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March 24, 2026
脑(腦)nǎo(nao3)
The character 脑 (nǎo) refers to the brain, which is the organ responsible for thought and cognition. It can also signify the mind or essence of a person, often used in contexts discussing intelligence, thoughts, or mental processes.
Strokes10Radical⺼Frequency#1516DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the brain is often associated with wisdom and intelligence, reflected in idioms and proverbs that emphasize the importance of mental acuity. For instance, the saying '脑袋大' (nǎodài dà) suggests someone who is clever or has a lot of knowledge.
Memory Tip
Imagine a brain (the character 脑) that has a 'brainstorm' of ideas. The left part (肉) symbolizes flesh, reminding you of the brain's physicality, while the right part (脑) sounds like 'now'—as in, think about it now! Picture a brain filled with colorful ideas bursting forth.
Meanings of 脑
nǎo(nao3)
1brain
2mind
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 脑
脑Simplified
腦Traditional
10Strokes
⺼Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1516Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3
Podcast: 脑
Podcast: 脑
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AI Study Notes for 脑
Quick Contrast
脑 (nǎo) vs 思 (sī): Use 脑 when referring specifically to the physical brain, while 思 pertains to the act of thinking or thought processes.
Usage Notes
This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in discussions about psychology or health. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the second tone is crucial. Common collocations include '脑子' (nǎozi) meaning 'head' or 'brain'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 脑 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners at HSK 3-4 due to its use in expressions related to thinking and intelligence. Students should focus on using this character in context to reinforce its meanings and associations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脑 with similar characters like 习 (xí) or 了 (le). For example, saying '我有很多脑' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō nǎo) instead of '我有很多想法' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō xiǎngfǎ) can be incorrect, as it doesn't convey the intended meaning of 'ideas'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 脑
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六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Simplified form of 腦. The brain is part of the body (⺼) composed of a system of pathways (巛) located inside of the skull (囟). The traditional component 巛 was removed for simplification.
Simplified form of 腦. The brain is part of the body (⺼) composed of a system of pathways (巛) located inside of the skull (囟). The traditional component 巛 was removed for simplification.
1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
2The giveawayflesh
3On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 脑? 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 脑?
Decomposition of 脑
IDS Structure⿰⺼⿱亠凶
脑Full Character
=
⺼rou4
left
亠tou2
top
凶xiong1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 脑?
How to say brain in Chinese
“brain” in Chinese is脑nǎo
The character 脑 (nǎo) refers to the brain, which is the organ responsible for thought and cognition. It can also signify the mind or essence of a person, often used in contexts discussing intelligence, thoughts, or mental processes.
When to use 脑
This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in discussions about psychology or health. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding words; the second tone is crucial. Common collocations include '脑子' (nǎozi) meaning 'head' or 'brain'.
脑 or something close to it
脑 (nǎo) vs 思 (sī): Use 脑 when referring specifically to the physical brain, while 思 pertains to the act of thinking or thought processes.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 脑 with similar characters like 习 (xí) or 了 (le). For example, saying '我有很多脑' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō nǎo) instead of '我有很多想法' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō xiǎngfǎ) can be incorrect, as it doesn't convey the intended meaning of 'ideas'.
Write 脑
脑
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Practice writing 脑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 脑
脑 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.
