HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
remote
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
far
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
far away
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
yáo(yao2) T2
1distant
2remote
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March 24, 2026
遥(遙)yáo(yao2)
The character 遥 (yáo) refers to something that is distant or far away, both in a physical sense and in a metaphorical sense, such as distant dreams or aspirations. It is often used in contexts relating to time, space, or emotional distance, conveying a sense of longing or unattainability.
Strokes13Radical辶Frequency#8361DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the concept of distance reflects not only physical space but also emotional and spiritual journeys, with 遥 often symbolizing unreachable dreams or desires, emphasizing the value placed on aspiration.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, winding road leading to a horizon that seems far away. The character 遥 has the radical for 'road' (辶) at its core, reminding you that it describes something that is not just far in distance, but also a journey or path that feels remote.
Meanings of 遥
yáo(yao2)
1distant
2remote
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 遥
遥Simplified
遙Traditional
13Strokes
辶Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#8361Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 遥
Podcast: 遥
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AI Study Notes for 遥
Quick Contrast
远 (yuǎn) - use 遥 (yáo) for connotations of emotional or metaphorical distance, while 远 (yuǎn) is more literal and straightforward.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 遥 with other characters for 'far', like 远 (yuǎn). While both refer to distance, 遥 often carries a more poetic or emotional nuance. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or poetry, rather than everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 遥 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 and above vocabulary related to distance and travel, such as 远 (yuǎn). Focus on the different contexts in which these words are used to enhance your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 遥 incorrectly in casual contexts where 远 (yuǎn) would be more appropriate, such as saying 遥的朋友 (yáo de péngyǒu) instead of 远的朋友 (yuǎn de péngyǒu) for 'distant friend'. Remember, 遥 is more poetic and formal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遥
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Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 䍃 represents the sound. Simplified form of 遙.
1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
2The sound half䍃 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywalk
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 遥? 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 遥?
Decomposition of 遥
IDS Structure⿺辶䍃
遥Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
䍃you2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 遥?
How to say distant in Chinese
“distant” in Chinese is遥yáo
The character 遥 (yáo) refers to something that is distant or far away, both in a physical sense and in a metaphorical sense, such as distant dreams or aspirations. It is often used in contexts relating to time, space, or emotional distance, conveying a sense of longing or unattainability.
When to use 遥
Learners often confuse 遥 with other characters for 'far', like 远 (yuǎn). While both refer to distance, 遥 often carries a more poetic or emotional nuance. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or poetry, rather than everyday conversation.
遥 or something close to it
远 (yuǎn) - use 遥 (yáo) for connotations of emotional or metaphorical distance, while 远 (yuǎn) is more literal and straightforward.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes use 遥 incorrectly in casual contexts where 远 (yuǎn) would be more appropriate, such as saying 遥的朋友 (yáo de péngyǒu) instead of 远的朋友 (yuǎn de péngyǒu) for 'distant friend'. Remember, 遥 is more poetic and formal.
Write 遥
遥
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Practice writing 遥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 遥
遥 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
