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March 24, 2026
趙zhào(zhao4)
The character 趙 (zhào) primarily refers to an ancient state in China during the Warring States period, known for its significant historical role. It is also a common Chinese surname, often associated with notable figures in Chinese history. In modern contexts, it is frequently used as a family name, reflecting cultural heritage.
Strokes14Radical走Frequency#69260DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The state of Zhao is significant in Chinese history, known for its contributions to the art of war and philosophy during the Warring States period. Many historical figures, including strategists and philosophers, emerged from this state, influencing Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a warrior named Zhao riding a horse, representing the state of Zhao in ancient times. The character 趙 can be broken down into the radical 足 (foot) suggesting movement or travel, combined with 兆 (zhào), which signifies a sign or omen, symbolizing Zhao's historical significance.
Meanings of 趙
zhào(zhao4)
1ancient state; surname
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 趙
趙Simplified
14Strokes
走Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 趙
Podcast: 趙
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AI Study Notes for 趙
Usage Notes
When using 趙 as a surname, it is typically placed before the given name in Chinese culture. A common mistake is to confuse it with other similar-sounding surnames like 赵 (zhào), which is the simplified form. Ensure you use the correct character depending on the context.
HSK Study Tips
Although 趙 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects with HSK Level 3 words related to family and names, such as 姓 (xìng, surname). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in historical texts or discussions about genealogy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 趙 with its simplified version 赵, especially in written form. For example, writing '赵' when referring to historical contexts where traditional characters are used is incorrect; the correct character is '趙'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 趙
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 趙 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
趙 = 走 + 肖. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 趙
IDS Structure⿺走肖
趙Full Character
=
走zou3
enclosing
肖Xiao1
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 趙?
How to say ancient state; surname in Chinese
“ancient state; surname” in Chinese is趙zhào
The character 趙 (zhào) primarily refers to an ancient state in China during the Warring States period, known for its significant historical role. It is also a common Chinese surname, often associated with notable figures in Chinese history. In modern contexts, it is frequently used as a family name, reflecting cultural heritage.
When to use 趙
When using 趙 as a surname, it is typically placed before the given name in Chinese culture. A common mistake is to confuse it with other similar-sounding surnames like 赵 (zhào), which is the simplified form. Ensure you use the correct character depending on the context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 趙 with its simplified version 赵, especially in written form. For example, writing '赵' when referring to historical contexts where traditional characters are used is incorrect; the correct character is '趙'.
Write 趙
趙
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Word Family of 趙
Words Containing This Character16
赵zhàosurname Zhao趙
赵本山Zhao Benshan (1958-), universally known PRC TV comedian趙本山
完璧归赵lit. to return the jade annulus to Zhao (idiom); fig. to return something intact to its rightful owner完璧歸趙
赵薇Zhao Wei or Vicky Zhao (1976-), Chinese film star趙薇
赵云Zhao Yun (-229), general of Shu in Romance of the Three Kingdoms趙雲
赵紫阳Zhao Ziyang (1919-2005), PRC reforming politician, general secretary of Chinese Communist Party 1987-1989, held under house arrest from 1989 to his death, and non-person since then趙紫陽
赵国Zhao, one of the seven states during the Warring States Period of Chinese history (475-220 BC)趙國
赵匡胤Zhao Kuangyin, personal name of founding Song emperor Song Taizu 宋太祖 (927-976)趙匡胤
赵括also called Ma Fuzi 馬服子|马服子趙括
赵高Zhao Gao (?-207 BC), one of the most vile, corrupt and powerful eunuchs in Chinese history, responsible for the fall of Qin Dynasty趙高
