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March 24, 2026
钊(釗)zhāo(zhao1)
The character 钊 (zhāo) primarily means to endeavor or to strive, often implying a strong effort toward achieving something. It can also convey the idea of encouraging someone or cutting through obstacles. This character is less commonly used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary or formal contexts.
Strokes7Radical钅Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of striving is often tied to the Confucian value of self-cultivation and perseverance, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in personal effort and moral development.
Memory Tip
Think of 钊 as a sword (刀) cutting through (to cut) the air as you strive (to endeavor) toward your goals. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests strength, while the overall structure conveys the action of pushing forward.
Meanings of 钊
zhāo(zhao1)
1to endeavor, to strive; to encourage; to cut
2to strain
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 钊
钊Simplified
釗Traditional
7Strokes
钅Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钊
Podcast: 钊
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AI Study Notes for 钊
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 钊 as a sword (刀) cutting through (to cut) the air as you strive (to endeavor) toward your goals. The radical 钅 (metal) suggests strength, while the overall structure conveys the action of pushing forward.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context in which you use 钊, as it is more formal and may not be understood in casual conversation. Common collocations include phrases related to striving for success or encouraging others. Some learners confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you practice the tones.
HSK Study Tips
Although 钊 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its components can be linked to HSK 2-3 characters that deal with effort and motivation, such as 努力 (nǔlì, to work hard). Focus on understanding the nuances of striving as it relates to personal goals.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of striving is often tied to the Confucian value of self-cultivation and perseverance, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in personal effort and moral development.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 钊 with the more common characters like 召 (zhào, to summon) or 照 (zhào, to shine). For example, saying '我钊你来' (wǒ zhāo nǐ lái) instead of '我叫你来' (wǒ jiào nǐ lái) is incorrect; remember that 钊 is not used for summoning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钊
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Cultural Notes for 钊
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of striving is often tied to the Confucian value of self-cultivation and perseverance, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in personal effort and moral development.
Word Family of 钊
Words Containing This Character3
钊zhāoto cut釗
李大钊Li Dazhao (1889-1927), early Chinese Marxist and founding member of the communist party李大釗
章士钊Zhang Shizhao (1881-1973), revolutionary journalist in Shanghai, then established writer章士釗
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 钊 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钊
It is pronounced zhāo, with a high-level tone.
Use 钊 in more formal or literary contexts when discussing efforts or encouragement.
Yes, related words include 努力 (nǔlì, to work hard), which also conveys the idea of effort.
