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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)jiao T1
  1. 1a legendary scaled dragon
  2. 2a legendary dragon with the ability to control rain and floods
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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

By ear

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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

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.

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

Origin

蛟 = 虫 + 交. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 蛟

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

Parts

Which of these is part of 蛟?

How to say a legendary scaled dragon in Chinese

“a legendary scaled dragon” in Chinese is蛟jiāo

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.

When to use 蛟

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.

What learners get wrong

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.

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

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

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 zàoxíng de“ jiāo lóng” rú jiàn lí xián, shùn liú ér xià, yù zhēng qún lóng shǒu.

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

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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 3

Words with 蛟

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.

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