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交代 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
交代jiāodàito hand overHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito explainHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito make clearHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito brief (sb)HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito account forHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito justify oneselfHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito confessHSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
交代jiāodàito finish (colloquial)HSK 7, n, 11 strokes, rank #7711, Very Hard
jiāodài(jiao1dai4)jiao dai T1
  1. 1to hand over
  2. 2to explain
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March 24, 2026

交代jiāodài(jiao1dai4)

交代 (jiāodài) refers to the act of handing over, explaining, or clarifying something to someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as giving instructions, making a confession, or providing an account of one's actions, often implying a sense of responsibility or accountability.

Strokes11Frequency#7711DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 交代 is closely related to accountability and transparency, particularly in professional and familial settings. It reflects the importance of clear communication and taking responsibility for one's actions.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person 'handing over' a detailed map (交) to someone else, ensuring they 'explain' every route (代) clearly. The character 交 resembles someone passing something, while 代 can remind you of a guide or representative helping you navigate.

Meanings of 交代

jiāodài(jiao1dai4)
1to hand over
2to explain
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 交代

交代Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7711Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2

Podcast: 交代

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Podcast: 交代

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AI Study Notes for 交代

Quick Contrast

交代 (jiāodài) vs 说明 (shuōmíng): use 交代 when emphasizing responsibility or accountability, while 说明 focuses more on explanation without that implication.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 交代 with similar terms like 告诉 (gàosù), which means 'to tell.' 交代 is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing responsibilities or explanations. Be mindful of using the correct tones, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 交代 connects with other verbs related to communication and responsibility. Students should focus on its various applications in both formal and informal contexts, practicing sentences that illustrate its use in explanations and justifications.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 交代 with 告诉 (gàosù), leading to incorrect phrases like '我交代给你这个' instead of '我告诉你这个' (I tell you this). Remember, 交代 involves a sense of responsibility and explanation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 交代

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Component Characters

交jiāoto hand over
HSK 46 strokes亠
View full entry
代dàito substitute
HSK 55 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say to hand over in Chinese

“to hand over” in Chinese is交代jiāodài

交代 (jiāodài) refers to the act of handing over, explaining, or clarifying something to someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as giving instructions, making a confession, or providing an account of one's actions, often implying a sense of responsibility or accountability.

When to use 交代

Common mistakes include confusing 交代 with similar terms like 告诉 (gàosù), which means 'to tell.' 交代 is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing responsibilities or explanations. Be mindful of using the correct tones, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning.

交代 or something close to it

交代 (jiāodài) vs 说明 (shuōmíng): use 交代 when emphasizing responsibility or accountability, while 说明 focuses more on explanation without that implication.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 交代 with 告诉 (gàosù), leading to incorrect phrases like '我交代给你这个' instead of '我告诉你这个' (I tell you this). Remember, 交代 involves a sense of responsibility and explanation.

Write 交代

交
代

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

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Grammar Patterns of 交代

交代 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 8 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.

首先,要对上个月那篇____不清的报道表示深深的歉意.

First off, huge apologies for last month's confusing report.

Example Sentences for 交代 (4)

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1
首先,要对上个月那篇交代不清的报道表示深深的歉意.

shǒu xiān, , yào duì shàng gè yuè nà piān jiāo dài bù qīng de bào dào biǎo shì shēn shēn de qiàn.

First off, huge apologies for last month's confusing report.
2
她交代人是她杀的,并带警察去他的尸首处。

tā jiāo dài rén shì tā shā de, , bìng dài jǐng chá qù tā de shī shǒu。

She confessed to the killing and led police to his remains.
3
如果他出了事故,他怎么向他的父母交代?

rú guǒ tā chū le shì gù, , tā zěn mó xiàng tā de fù mǔ jiāo?

What would he tell his parents if he had a wreck?
4
这部剧未作交代的东西太多。

zhè bù jù wèi zuò jiāo dài de dōng xī tài duō。

The play has too many loose ends.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 交代

No, while it is commonly used in formal contexts, it can also be used colloquially to mean finishing or explaining something.

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