unknown, 18 strokes, radical 鱼, rank #70308, Very Hard
áo(ao2) T2
1huge sea turtle
2mythological sea turtle
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March 24, 2026
鳌(鰲)áo(ao2)
The character 鳌 (áo) refers to a mythical giant sea turtle in Chinese folklore, often associated with strength and longevity. It is commonly used in literary contexts and symbolizes stability and endurance in the face of adversity.
Strokes18Radical鱼Frequency#70308DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 鳌 is often featured in traditional stories, such as the tale of the 'Turtle and the Hare,' symbolizing wisdom and perseverance. It is also associated with the 'Kunlun Mountains' and the concept of 'holding up the sky.'
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant turtle (鳌) rising from the ocean, its massive shell representing strength. The character has the radical for 'bird' (鳥) on top, suggesting it is a creature from the skies as well as the sea, emphasizing its mythical nature.
Meanings of 鳌
áo(ao2)
1huge sea turtle
2mythological sea turtle
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鳌
鳌Simplified
鰲Traditional
18Strokes
鱼Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 鳌
Podcast: 鳌
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AI Study Notes for 鳌
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant turtle (鳌) rising from the ocean, its massive shell representing strength. The character has the radical for 'bird' (鳥) on top, suggesting it is a creature from the skies as well as the sea, emphasizing its mythical nature.
Usage Notes
While 鳌 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it may appear in literature or poetry. Learners should be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring they use the correct tone, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 鳌 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects to HSK Level 5 themes of mythology and cultural symbolism. Students should focus on understanding its usage in literary contexts to enhance their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 鳌 is often featured in traditional stories, such as the tale of the 'Turtle and the Hare,' symbolizing wisdom and perseverance. It is also associated with the 'Kunlun Mountains' and the concept of 'holding up the sky.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鳌 with similar sounding characters like 螃 (páng) which means crab. Remember, 鳌 refers specifically to the mythical turtle, not any crustacean.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鳌
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Cultural Notes for 鳌
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 鳌 is often featured in traditional stories, such as the tale of the 'Turtle and the Hare,' symbolizing wisdom and perseverance. It is also associated with the 'Kunlun Mountains' and the concept of 'holding up the sky.'
Word Family of 鳌
Words Containing This Character3
独占鳌头to be the champion獨佔鰲頭
鳌áomythological sea turtle鰲
博鳌镇Bo'ao seaside resort, Hainan博鰲鎮
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 独占鳌头 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鳌
鳌 symbolizes strength, longevity, and stability, often depicted in myths as a creature that can endure great challenges.
No, 鳌 is more frequently found in literary or poetic contexts rather than in everyday speech.
The correct pronunciation is 'áo' with a rising tone, similar to the English word 'how' but starting at a lower pitch.
