classifier for long thin things (ribbon, river, road, trousers etc)
HSK 2, n, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #286, Easy
条
tiáo
clause, condition; string, stripe
HSK 2, n, 7 strokes, radical 木, rank #286, Easy
tiáo(tiao2) T2
1strip
2item
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March 24, 2026
条(條)tiáo(tiao2)
The character 条 (tiáo) is used to refer to a long, thin object or a strip, such as a ribbon, a river, or a pair of trousers. It can also denote an item or article in a list or a clause in legal contexts, making it versatile in both everyday and formal language. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to classify various elongated entities.
Strokes7Radical木Frequency#286DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese law,条款 (tiáokuǎn) is a significant term referring to specific clauses within legal documents. Understanding this term helps learners appreciate how language shapes legal and formal agreements in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a thin strip of ribbon (条) flowing like a river. The character resembles a long line with a little 'tail' on the side, reminding you of something thin and elongated. Visualize tying the ribbon into a neat bow to reinforce the idea of classifying long, thin items.
Meanings of 条
tiáo(tiao2)
1strip
2item
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 条
条Simplified
條Traditional
7Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#286Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 条
Podcast: 条
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AI Study Notes for 条
Quick Contrast
条 (tiáo) vs 根 (gēn) — use 条 for long, thin objects or items in a list, while 根 specifically refers to long, thin objects like roots or stems.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 条 with other classifiers, as it specifically denotes long, thin objects. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, so you can use it in everyday conversation as well as in written documents. Common collocations include 条件 (tiáojiàn, condition) and 条款 (tiáokuǎn, clause).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 条 connects well with other common classifiers and nouns. Focus on practicing its use in sentences to describe items you encounter daily, like '一条狗' (yī tiáo gǒu, a dog) or '一条河' (yī tiáo hé, a river), to reinforce its application.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 条 with other classifiers like 个. For example, saying '一条苹果' (yī tiáo píngguǒ) is incorrect; it should be '一个苹果' (yī gè píngguǒ) since apples are not long and thin.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 条
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Etymology of 条
Explanation
Simplified form of 條. Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 攸 represents the sound.
The character 条 (tiáo) is used to refer to a long, thin object or a strip, such as a ribbon, a river, or a pair of trousers. It can also denote an item or article in a list or a clause in legal contexts, making it versatile in both everyday and formal language. This word is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to classify various elongated entities.
When to use 条
Be careful not to confuse 条 with other classifiers, as it specifically denotes long, thin objects. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, so you can use it in everyday conversation as well as in written documents. Common collocations include 条件 (tiáojiàn, condition) and 条款 (tiáokuǎn, clause).
条 or something close to it
条 (tiáo) vs 根 (gēn) — use 条 for long, thin objects or items in a list, while 根 specifically refers to long, thin objects like roots or stems.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 条 with other classifiers like 个. For example, saying '一条苹果' (yī tiáo píngguǒ) is incorrect; it should be '一个苹果' (yī gè píngguǒ) since apples are not long and thin.
Write 条
条
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Practice writing 条 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 条
条 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
