HSK 6, ng, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #25844, Hard
梢
shāo
the tip of a branch; rudder
HSK 6, ng, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #25844, Hard
shāo(shao1) T1
1tip of branch
2the tip of a branch; rudder
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March 24, 2026
梢shāo(shao1)
The character 梢 (shāo) refers to the tip of a branch, often used in the context of trees or plants. It can also denote the rudder of a boat, emphasizing control and direction. This word is commonly used in literature and discussions about nature, as well as in nautical contexts.
Strokes11Radical木Frequency#25844DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of trees and their branches is often associated with growth and renewal, making 梢 a symbol of potential and direction. Additionally, the use of a rudder is crucial in Chinese maritime history, symbolizing guidance and control.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall tree with a tiny bird perched at the very tip of the branch (梢). The left component 木 (wood) represents the tree, while the right side, 小 (small), suggests the small size of the tip. Picture the bird using its small size to balance perfectly on the delicate tip of the branch, reminding you of the pronunciation 'shāo'.
Meanings of 梢
shāo(shao1)
1tip of branch
2the tip of a branch; rudder
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 梢
梢Simplified
11Strokes
木Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#25844Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 梢
Podcast: 梢
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AI Study Notes for 梢
Quick Contrast
枝 (zhī) - use 梢 (shāo) when referring specifically to the tip of a branch, while 枝 (zhī) refers more generally to a branch itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall tree with a tiny bird perched at the very tip of the branch (梢). The left component 木 (wood) represents the tree, while the right side, 小 (small), suggests the small size of the tip. Picture the bird using its small size to balance perfectly on the delicate tip of the branch, reminding you of the pronunciation 'shāo'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 梢 (shāo) with similar-sounding characters like 霄 (xiāo), which means sky. This term is more formal and often appears in written texts rather than in casual conversation. Common collocations include 梢头 (tip of the branch) and 船舵 (ship's rudder).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 梢 (shāo) connects well with other nature-related vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences that describe trees or navigation, as this will help reinforce your understanding of its context and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the imagery of trees and their branches is often associated with growth and renewal, making 梢 a symbol of potential and direction. Additionally, the use of a rudder is crucial in Chinese maritime history, symbolizing guidance and control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 梢 (shāo) with 头 (tóu) meaning 'head' or 'tip' in a general sense. For example, saying '树头' (shù tóu) instead of '树梢' (shù shāo) is incorrect when specifically referring to the tip of a branch.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 梢
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Grammar Patterns of 梢
梢 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 2 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
Complete the Sentence
老伙计，只不过又是一份盯____的活。对你这样的人来说还不是小菜一碟。
Just another surveillance job, old chap. Piece of cake to somebody like you.
Just another surveillance job, old chap. Piece of cake to somebody like you.
2
那棵老树从地面到树梢至少有30米.
nà kē lǎo shù cóng dì miàn dào shù shāo zhì shǎo yǒu30 30.
That old tree must measure at least 30 metres from top to bottom.
3
他们听到的只有风吹过树梢的飒飒声。
tā mén tīng dào de zhī yǒu fēng chuī guò shù shāo de sà sà shēng。
All they heard was the wind whispering through the treetops.
4
她用一根松紧带扎紧辫梢.
tā yòng yī gēn sōng jǐn dài zā jǐn biàn shāo.
She tied the end of her pigtails with an elastic band.
5
他说得有根有梢的,不由得你不信.
tā shuō dé yǒu gēn yǒu shāo de, , bù yóu dé nǐ bù.
He spoke so convincingly that you couldn't help believing him.
6
树梢和屋顶齐平.
shù shāo hé wū dǐng qí píng.
The tree top is level with the roof.
7
和风轻拂树梢.
hé fēng qīng fú shù shāo.
A soft wind kissed the tree tops.
8
在树梢上筑巢的鸟
zài shù shāo shàng zhù cháo de niǎo
birds nesting in the treetops
9
她有着一张非常迷人的瓜子脸和一对眼梢儿有点斜的绿眼睛.
tā yǒu zháo yī zhāng fēi cháng mí rén de guā zǐ liǎn hé yī duì yǎn shāo ér yǒu diǎn xié de lǜ yǎn jīng.
She has an unusually attractive oval face and green eyes set slightly on the slant.
10
她猜不透谁派人盯她的梢.
tā cāi bù tòu shuí pài rén dīng tā de shāo.
She couldn't figure out who put a tail on her.
Cultural Notes for 梢
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the imagery of trees and their branches is often associated with growth and renewal, making 梢 a symbol of potential and direction. Additionally, the use of a rudder is crucial in Chinese maritime history, symbolizing guidance and control.
Word Family of 梢
Words Containing This Character9
梢shāotip of branch
末梢tip
盯梢to tail
树梢shùshāotreetop樹梢
发梢hair ends髮梢
眉梢tip of brow
末梢神经peripheral nerve末梢神經
尾梢the tip
钉梢to tail釘梢
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 梢 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 梢
It is pronounced as 'shāo' with a high-level tone.
While it is more commonly found in literature, you can use it when discussing nature or sailing.
Yes, other terms like 顶 (dǐng) for 'tip' can be used, but 梢 is more specific to branches.
