HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
噪
zào
noise
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
噪
zào
clamor
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
噪
zào
buzzing
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
噪
zào
disturbance
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
噪
zào
to be noisy; to chirp loudly
HSK 4, n, 16 strokes, radical 口, rank #23965, Medium
zào(zao4)zao T4
1the chirping of birds or insects
2noise
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March 24, 2026
噪zào(zao4)
The character 噪 (zào) refers to noise or clamor, often associated with unpleasant or disruptive sounds like those made by birds or insects. It can denote any type of loud disturbance, making it relevant in discussions about sound in various contexts such as nature, urban environments, or even social situations.
Strokes16Radical口Frequency#23965DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, noise can be associated with both nature and urban life, reflecting the balance between tranquility and the bustling environment of cities. Festivals often feature loud celebrations, which can be described using 噪.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 噪 (zào) as a bird with its beak open, creating noise. The left side (口) represents the mouth making sounds, while the right side (造) hints at 'creating' noise. Imagine a chaotic scene where birds are chirping loudly, and you can visualize the sound they create.
Meanings of 噪
zào(zao4)
1the chirping of birds or insects
2noise
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 噪 means.
About 噪
噪Simplified
16Strokes
口Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23965Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 噪
Podcast: 噪
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AI Study Notes for 噪
Quick Contrast
嘈 (cáo) - use 噪 (zào) for general noise, while 嘈 (cáo) specifically refers to a noisy, chaotic environment.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 噪 (zào); mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing noise, but tends to appear more in casual conversation about disturbances.
HSK Study Tips
While 噪 (zào) is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it relates well to other words at HSK levels 3-5 that deal with sound and communication. Focus on how it can be used alongside verbs like 听 (tīng, to listen) and 声音 (shēngyīn, sound) to form complex sentences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 噪 (zào) with other words related to sound, such as 声 (shēng, sound) or 吵 (chǎo, noisy). For example, saying '我喜欢噪 (zào)' instead of '我喜欢声音 (shēngyīn)' to express liking sounds is incorrect; the former implies a preference for noise.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 噪
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How to say the chirping of birds or insects in Chinese
“the chirping of birds or insects” in Chinese is噪zào
The character 噪 (zào) refers to noise or clamor, often associated with unpleasant or disruptive sounds like those made by birds or insects. It can denote any type of loud disturbance, making it relevant in discussions about sound in various contexts such as nature, urban environments, or even social situations.
When to use 噪
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 噪 (zào); mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other similar-sounding words. It's often used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing noise, but tends to appear more in casual conversation about disturbances.
噪 or something close to it
嘈 (cáo) - use 噪 (zào) for general noise, while 嘈 (cáo) specifically refers to a noisy, chaotic environment.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 噪 (zào) with other words related to sound, such as 声 (shēng, sound) or 吵 (chǎo, noisy). For example, saying '我喜欢噪 (zào)' instead of '我喜欢声音 (shēngyīn)' to express liking sounds is incorrect; the former implies a preference for noise.
Write 噪
噪
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Practice writing 噪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 噪
噪 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
伴随着隆隆的低沉____声，螺旋桨开始旋转起来。
With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.
