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螬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
螬cáogrubs found in fruitx, 17 strokes, radical 虫
螬cáolarva of Mimela lucidulaunknown, 17 strokes, radical 虫
cáo(cao2) T2
  1. 1grubs found in fruit
  2. 2larva of Mimela lucidula
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March 24, 2026

螬cáo(cao2)

The character 螬 (cáo) refers specifically to the larva of certain insects, particularly grubs found in fruit. It is a term often used in agricultural contexts to describe pests that can damage crops, especially fruits, and is less commonly encountered in everyday conversation.

Strokes17Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese agriculture, understanding pest control is crucial, as pests like the 螬 can have significant economic impacts. This term highlights the importance of maintaining fruit quality and crop health in Chinese farming practices.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'caterpillar' (similar pronunciation to 'cáo') crawling through a fruit orchard, munching on apples and pears, which represents the grubs that damage fruit. The radical 螬 resembles a worm, helping to visualize the larvae's connection to fruit.

Meanings of 螬

cáo(cao2)
1grubs found in fruit
2larva of Mimela lucidula
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 螬

螬Simplified
17Strokes
虫Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 螬

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Podcast: 螬

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AI Study Notes for 螬

Usage Notes

This term is quite formal and primarily used in agricultural or scientific discussions, so it's not commonly found in casual settings. Be cautious with tone, as incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings, especially in a formal context where precision is crucial.

HSK Study Tips

Though 螬 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, studying it can enhance your understanding of related agricultural terms. Focus on the radicals and components of this character to connect it with other insect-related vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 螬 with similar-sounding words. For example, using 螬 (cáo) when they mean '虫' (chóng), which means 'insect' in general, is incorrect. Remember that 螬 specifically refers to larvae.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 螬

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Etymology of 螬

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

insect

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 螬

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half曹 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayinsect
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

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

Want the full history of 螬? 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 螬?

Decomposition of 螬

IDS Structure⿰虫曹
螬Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
曹Cao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 螬?

How to say grubs found in fruit in Chinese

“grubs found in fruit” in Chinese is螬cáo

The character 螬 (cáo) refers specifically to the larva of certain insects, particularly grubs found in fruit. It is a term often used in agricultural contexts to describe pests that can damage crops, especially fruits, and is less commonly encountered in everyday conversation.

When to use 螬

This term is quite formal and primarily used in agricultural or scientific discussions, so it's not commonly found in casual settings. Be cautious with tone, as incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings, especially in a formal context where precision is crucial.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 螬 with similar-sounding words. For example, using 螬 (cáo) when they mean '虫' (chóng), which means 'insect' in general, is incorrect. Remember that 螬 specifically refers to larvae.

Write 螬

螬

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 螬

Words Containing This Character2
蛴螬grub蠐螬
螬cáolarva of Mimela lucidula
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 蛴螬 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 螬

It means 'grubs found in fruit' or 'larva of certain insects'.

Jason Recommends

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