Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
驾照 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
驾照jiàzhàodriver's licenseHSK 5, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #4392, Hard
jiàzhào(jia4zhao4) T4
  1. 1driver's license
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

驾照(駕照)jiàzhào(jia4zhao4)

驾照 (jiàzhào) refers to a driver's license, which is an official document that authorizes an individual to operate a motor vehicle. It is commonly used in contexts related to driving, transportation, and legal requirements for vehicle operation.

Strokes21Frequency#4392DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, having a 驾照 is increasingly important as car ownership rises. It symbolizes independence and mobility, especially in urban settings where public transport may be limited.

Memory Tip

Think of ‘驾’ (jià) as 'to drive' and ‘照’ (zhào) as 'to shine or illuminate'—imagine your driver's license shining a light on your ability to drive legally. The character ‘驾’ resembles a person sitting behind the wheel, while ‘照’ looks like a flashlight, illuminating your path as you drive.

Meanings of 驾照

jiàzhào(jia4zhao4)
1driver's license
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 驾照

驾照Simplified
駕照Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 驾照

JasonAmy

Podcast: 驾照

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 驾照

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 驾照 with other licenses like 许可证 (xǔkězhèng, permit). It is used in both formal and informal contexts but is essential in official settings, such as when renting a car. Be careful with the tone of each character; incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While 驾照 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it relates to HSK Level 4 and above themes regarding transportation and daily life. Students should focus on related vocabulary like 司机 (sījī, driver) and 行车 (xíngchē, driving) to build context.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 驾照 with the term for a car registration (车辆登记, chēliàng dēngjì). Remember that 驾照 is only for the license to drive, not for the vehicle itself.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 驾照

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 驾照 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

驾jiàto harness
HSK 78 strokes马
View full entry
照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry

How to say driver's license in Chinese

“driver's license” in Chinese is驾照jiàzhào

驾照 (jiàzhào) refers to a driver's license, which is an official document that authorizes an individual to operate a motor vehicle. It is commonly used in contexts related to driving, transportation, and legal requirements for vehicle operation.

When to use 驾照

Common mistakes include confusing 驾照 with other licenses like 许可证 (xǔkězhèng, permit). It is used in both formal and informal contexts but is essential in official settings, such as when renting a car. Be careful with the tone of each character; incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 驾照 with the term for a car registration (车辆登记, chēliàng dēngjì). Remember that 驾照 is only for the license to drive, not for the vehicle itself.

Write 驾照

驾
照

Practice writing 驾照 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Frequently Asked Questions about 驾照

You typically need to pass written and practical driving tests, provide identity documents, and sometimes complete a driving course.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 驾照?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.