unknown, 10 strokes, radical 衣, rank #90955, Very Hard
niǎo(niao3) T3
1curling upwards; elegant, graceful
2delicate
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March 24, 2026
袅(嫋)niǎo(niao3)
The character 脑 (niǎo) typically describes something that curls upwards or has an elegant, graceful appearance. It is often used in literary contexts to convey beauty and delicateness, particularly in relation to nature or art. This character can imply a sense of softness and fluidity.
Strokes10Radical衣Frequency#90955DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese art and poetry, the concept of grace and elegance is highly valued, often depicted through nature, such as the curling of bamboo or the flow of water. The character 脑 captures this essence and is often found in descriptions of landscapes and natural beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a delicate bird (鸟, niǎo) gracefully curling its wings upwards, embodying elegance. The character 脚 has a similar graceful form, with the top resembling the wings and the bottom suggesting a gentle curve, reinforcing the idea of something that is both beautiful and soft.
Meanings of 袅
niǎo(niao3)
1curling upwards; elegant, graceful
2delicate
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 袅
袅Simplified
嫋Traditional
10Strokes
衣Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 袅
Podcast: 袅
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AI Study Notes for 袅
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a delicate bird (鸟, niǎo) gracefully curling its wings upwards, embodying elegance. The character 脚 has a similar graceful form, with the top resembling the wings and the bottom suggesting a gentle curve, reinforcing the idea of something that is both beautiful and soft.
Usage Notes
When using 脑, be aware of its context as it often appears in poetic or artistic language rather than everyday conversation. Common collocations include phrases describing nature or art. Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 脑 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words related to beauty and nature. Students should focus on its usage in literary texts and how it relates to describing things in a graceful manner, which can enhance their expressive abilities.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese art and poetry, the concept of grace and elegance is highly valued, often depicted through nature, such as the curling of bamboo or the flow of water. The character 脑 captures this essence and is often found in descriptions of landscapes and natural beauty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 脑 with similar characters, such as 鸟 (niǎo), which means 'bird'. For example, saying '我喜欢这个鸟的形状' (I like the shape of this niǎo) instead of '我喜欢这个脑的形状' (I like the shape of this niǎo) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 袅
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Grammar Patterns of 袅
袅 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 3
Complete the Sentence
一缕轻烟在林间____袅升起。
A thin wisp of smoke straggled up through the trees.
Example Sentences for 袅 (2)
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1
一缕轻烟在林间袅袅升起。
yī lǚ qīng yān zài lín jiān niǎo niǎo shēng qǐ。
A thin wisp of smoke straggled up through the trees.
2
这些烟圈出自他那带鸦片味的香烟头,形成各种光怪陆离的涡状花纹而袅袅上升.
zhè xiē yān quān chū zì tā nà dài yā piàn wèi de xiāng yān tóu, , xíng chéng gè zhǒng guāng guài lù lí de wō zhuàng huā wén ér niǎo niǎo shàng.
The wreaths of smoke curled up in such fanciful whorls from his opiumtainted cigarette.
Cultural Notes for 袅
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese art and poetry, the concept of grace and elegance is highly valued, often depicted through nature, such as the curling of bamboo or the flow of water. The character 脑 captures this essence and is often found in descriptions of landscapes and natural beauty.
Word Family of 袅
Words Containing This Character4
袅袅rising in spirals裊裊
袅niǎodelicate嫋
袅娜slim and graceful裊娜
袅袅婷婷(of a woman) elegant and supple裊裊婷婷
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 袅袅 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 袅
Make sure to use the third tone, which dips and then rises, as in niǎo.
It's more common in poetic or artistic contexts rather than in daily speech.
Look for phrases that describe beauty or nature, such as '优雅的风景' (elegant scenery).
