Meanings of 狡猾
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About 狡猾
Podcast: 狡猾
Podcast: 狡猾
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AI Study Notes for 狡猾
狡诈 (jiǎozhà) - use 狡猾 when highlighting cleverness in achieving goals, while 狡诈 emphasizes deceitfulness.
Learners often confuse 狡猾 with other similar adjectives like 聪明 (cōng míng, clever) or 机智 (jī zhì, witty), but those imply a more positive connotation. In formal contexts, it's important to use 狡猾 carefully, as it can carry a negative tone. Common collocations include '狡猾的人' (crafty person) or '狡猾的计划' (cunning plan).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 狡猾 connects to other adjectives describing character traits. Students should focus on the subtle differences between similar adjectives. Consider practicing sentences that contrast 狡猾 with more positive traits.
Learners often misuse 狡猾 in contexts where a positive trait is intended, such as saying '他很狡猾' (He is very cunning) when they mean to compliment. Instead, use '他很聪明' (He is very clever) for a positive description.
Pronunciation of 狡猾
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Component Characters
How to say crafty in Chinese
“crafty” in Chinese is狡猾
The word 狡猾 (jiǎo huá) describes someone who is crafty, cunning, or sly. It is often used to refer to individuals who use cleverness, often in a deceitful manner, to achieve their goals. This term can be applied to both people and situations, particularly when highlighting a lack of honesty or straightforwardness.
When to use 狡猾
Learners often confuse 狡猾 with other similar adjectives like 聪明 (cōng míng, clever) or 机智 (jī zhì, witty), but those imply a more positive connotation. In formal contexts, it's important to use 狡猾 carefully, as it can carry a negative tone. Common collocations include '狡猾的人' (crafty person) or '狡猾的计划' (cunning plan).
狡猾 or something close to it
狡诈 (jiǎozhà) - use 狡猾 when highlighting cleverness in achieving goals, while 狡诈 emphasizes deceitfulness.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 狡猾 in contexts where a positive trait is intended, such as saying '他很狡猾' (He is very cunning) when they mean to compliment. Instead, use '他很聪明' (He is very clever) for a positive description.
Write 狡猾
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Practice writing 狡猾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 狡猾
狡猾 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
Complete the Sentence
这句问话是一种穷急智生的____的遁辞词.
The question was a quick, shrewd parry.
Example Sentences for 狡猾 (3)
Frequently Asked Questions about 狡猾
Yes, it typically carries a negative connotation, implying deceitfulness or untrustworthiness.
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