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蛟 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蛟jiāoa legendary scaled dragonzg, 12 strokes, radical 虫, rank #83707, Very Hard
蛟jiāoa legendary dragon with the ability to control rain and floodsunknown, 12 strokes, radical 虫, rank #83707, Very Hard
jiāo(jiao1) T1
  1. 1a legendary scaled dragon
  2. 2a legendary dragon with the ability to control rain and floods
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
蛟jiāo(jiao1)

The character 蛟 (jiāo) refers to a legendary dragon-like creature in Chinese mythology known for its ability to control rain and floods. It is often depicted as a scaled dragon and symbolizes power and strength in controlling natural elements. Commonly used in literary contexts, it evokes imagery of ancient tales and mythology.

Strokes12Radical虫Frequency#83707DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the 蛟 is often associated with water and is considered a powerful creature that can influence weather patterns. This character is referenced in various historical texts and legends, reflecting the importance of dragons in Chinese mythology.

Memory Tip

Think of 蛟 (jiāo) as a 'jiant dragon' with scales. The radical 虫 (insect) suggests something scaly or serpentine, while the pronunciation 'jiāo' sounds like 'jowl,' linking to the dragon's mouth which commands the rain. Imagine a giant dragon with a jowl that calls forth storms.

Meanings of 蛟

jiāo(jiao1)
1a legendary scaled dragon
2a legendary dragon with the ability to control rain and floods
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 蛟

蛟Simplified
12Strokes
虫Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蛟

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Podcast: 蛟

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AI Study Notes for 蛟

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 蛟 (jiāo) as a 'jiant dragon' with scales. The radical 虫 (insect) suggests something scaly or serpentine, while the pronunciation 'jiāo' sounds like 'jowl,' linking to the dragon's mouth which commands the rain. Imagine a giant dragon with a jowl that calls forth storms.

Usage Notes

While 蛟 is primarily used in literary or mythological contexts, it can be mistakenly used in everyday conversation. Be aware that it is not commonly used in modern language, so avoid using it in casual settings. It often appears in idiomatic expressions or classical literature.

HSK Study Tips

Although 蛟 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 4 words related to mythology and nature. Students should focus on understanding its cultural significance and how it enriches narratives in literature.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the 蛟 is often associated with water and is considered a powerful creature that can influence weather patterns. This character is referenced in various historical texts and legends, reflecting the importance of dragons in Chinese mythology.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蛟 with other dragon-related words, such as 龙 (lóng). For example, saying '蛟龙' (jiāo lóng) incorrectly assumes that 蛟 is used in modern contexts, while it mainly exists in mythological references. Correctly, keep it within literary discussions.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蛟

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Etymology of 蛟

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

Phonosemantic compound. 虫 represents the meaning and 交 represents the sound.

Memory Hint

worm

Semantic (meaning)虫
+
Phonetic (sound)交
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 蛟?

Decomposition of 蛟

IDS Structure⿰虫交
蛟Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
交jiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蛟?

Write 蛟

蛟

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

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Grammar Patterns of 蛟

蛟 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

各色各状造型的“____龙”如箭离弦,顺流而下, 欲争群龙首.

Rows of dragons pull downstream, each striving to take the lead.

Example Sentences for 蛟 (1)

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1
各色各状造型的“蛟龙”如箭离弦,顺流而下, 欲争群龙首.

gè sè gè zhuàng zào xíng de“ “ jiāo” lóng ” rú jiàn, lí xián , shùn, liú ér xià , yù.

Rows of dragons pull downstream, each striving to take the lead.

Cultural Notes for 蛟

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the 蛟 is often associated with water and is considered a powerful creature that can influence weather patterns. This character is referenced in various historical texts and legends, reflecting the importance of dragons in Chinese mythology.

Word Family of 蛟

Words Containing This Character4
蛟龙legendary dragon with the ability to control rain and floods蛟龍
蛟jiāosee also 蛟龍|蛟龙[jiāo​lóng]
蛟河市Jiaohe county level city in Jilin prefecture 吉林, Jilin province
蛟河Jiaohe county level city in Jilin prefecture 吉林, Jilin province
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 蛟龙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蛟

No, 蛟 is primarily found in literary contexts and is not used in everyday speech.