Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
邵shào(Shao4)
邵 (shào) is primarily used as a surname in Chinese, and it can also refer to various place names across China. It is less common as a given name and is often seen in historical or geographical contexts.
Strokes7Radical阝Frequency#44815DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
The surname 邵 has historical significance, with notable figures in Chinese history bearing this name, which can be found in records dating back to ancient times. It is also associated with various cultural sites in China, enriching its geographical relevance.
Memory tip
Think of '邵' as a bridge between the past and present. The left component '阝' resembles a hill or mound, which can remind you of a place, while the right side '肖' suggests likeness or resemblance, linking to the idea of a family name. Picture a family standing on a hill, proudly holding a banner with their surname.
Meanings of 邵
shào(Shao4)
1various place names; surname
2place name
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 邵 means.
About 邵
邵Simplified
7Strokes
阝Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 邵
Podcast: 邵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 邵
Usage Notes
Be aware that while 邵 is a common surname, it may not be recognized in informal contexts where first names are preferred. Common collocations include '邵氏' (Shào shì) when referring to the Shao family or historical figures. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding surnames like '韶' (sháo).
HSK Study Tips
Although 邵 is not included in the HSK levels, it can be connected to personal names and place names that learners might encounter in intermediate texts. Focus on recognizing it within context to better understand its usage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 邵 as a given name instead of recognizing it as a surname. For example, saying '我叫邵' (Wǒ jiào Shào) as if introducing a first name may lead to confusion; rather, clarify by saying '我姓邵' (Wǒ xìng Shào) to indicate it is a surname.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 邵
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 邵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 邵 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 邵?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 邵 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.
邵 = 阝 + 召. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 邵
IDS Structure⿰召阝
邵Full character
=
召Shao4
left
阝yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 邵?
How to say surname Shao in Chinese
“surname Shao” in Chinese is邵shào
邵 (shào) is primarily used as a surname in Chinese, and it can also refer to various place names across China. It is less common as a given name and is often seen in historical or geographical contexts.
When to use 邵
Be aware that while 邵 is a common surname, it may not be recognized in informal contexts where first names are preferred. Common collocations include '邵氏' (Shào shì) when referring to the Shao family or historical figures. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding surnames like '韶' (sháo).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 邵 as a given name instead of recognizing it as a surname. For example, saying '我叫邵' (Wǒ jiào Shào) as if introducing a first name may lead to confusion; rather, clarify by saying '我姓邵' (Wǒ xìng Shào) to indicate it is a surname.
Write 邵
邵
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 邵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Ask Jason
Have a question about 邵?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Word Family of 邵
Words containing this character14
邵shàosurname Shao
邵阳Shaoyang prefecture level city in Hunan邵陽
邵逸夫Run Run Shaw (1907-2014), Hong Kong movie and television tycoon
邵阳市Shaoyang prefecture level city in Hunan邵陽市
邵武Shaowu county level city in Nanping 南平[Nánpíng] Fujian
新邵县Xinshao county in Shaoyang 邵陽|邵阳[Shàoyáng], Hunan新邵縣
邵武市Shaowu county level city in Nanping 南平[Nánpíng] Fujian
新邵Xinshao county in Shaoyang 邵陽|邵阳[Shàoyáng], Hunan
邵东Shaodong county in Shaoyang 邵陽|邵阳[Shàoyáng], Hunan邵東
邵雍Shao Yong (1011-1077), Northern Song poet and Rationalist scholar 理學家|理学家
邵东县Shaodong county in Shaoyang 邵陽|邵阳[Shàoyáng], Hunan邵東縣
邵阳县Shaoyang county in Shaoyang 邵陽|邵阳[Shàoyáng], Hunan邵陽縣
邵阳地区Shaoyang prefecture in Hunan邵陽地區
邵伯湖Shaobo Lake, freshwater lake in Jiangsu Province
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 邵
What does 邵阳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 邵
The surname 邵 does not have a specific meaning but is associated with various geographical locations and has historical significance in Chinese culture.
邵 is not among the most common surnames in China, but it is recognized and has historical roots.
邵 is pronounced as 'shào', with a falling tone, similar to the English word 'shout' but without the 't'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 邵?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.
A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.
