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照耀 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
照耀zhàoyàoto shineHSK 7, v, 33 strokes, rank #11554, Very Hard
照耀zhàoyàoto illuminateHSK 7, v, 33 strokes, rank #11554, Very Hard
zhàoyào(zhao4yao4)zhao yao T4
  1. 1to shine
  2. 2to illuminate
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March 24, 2026

照耀zhàoyào(zhao4yao4)

照耀 (zhào yào) means to shine or illuminate something, often used in a figurative sense to describe how something can brighten or highlight aspects of life, nature, or even emotions. It can be used in both literal contexts, such as describing light from the sun, and metaphorical contexts, like how someone's kindness can illuminate a dark situation.

Strokes33Frequency#11554DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, light and illumination often symbolize hope and enlightenment. For example, the phrase '光明前途' (guāng míng qián tú) means a bright future, connecting the concept of light with positive prospects in life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bright sun (照) shining down (耀) on a path, illuminating everything in its way. The sun's rays not only light up the surroundings but also bring warmth and joy, making the scenery more vivid and alive. This imagery connects the character to its meaning of shining or illuminating.

Meanings of 照耀

zhàoyào(zhao4yao4)
1to shine
2to illuminate
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 照耀

照耀Simplified
33Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#11554Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 照耀

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Podcast: 照耀

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AI Study Notes for 照耀

Quick Contrast

照亮 (zhàoliàng) - use 照耀 when emphasizing the figurative aspect of illumination, while 照亮 focuses more on the literal act of making something bright.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is to confuse 照耀 with similar verbs like 照 (zhào), which can mean to shine but is often used more in the context of reflecting light. 照耀 is more dynamic and impactful. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing either character can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 照耀 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to light and perception, such as 明亮 (míng liàng - bright) or 照明 (zhào míng - lighting). Focus on understanding its usage in both poetic and everyday contexts to enhance your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 照耀 in contexts where a simpler verb like 照 would suffice, such as saying '这张照片照耀了我' (This photo illuminated me) instead of '这张照片照亮了我' (This photo lit me up), which is more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 照耀

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Component Characters

照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry
耀yàobrilliant
20 strokes羽
View full entry

How to say to shine in Chinese

“to shine” in Chinese is照耀zhàoyào

照耀 (zhào yào) means to shine or illuminate something, often used in a figurative sense to describe how something can brighten or highlight aspects of life, nature, or even emotions. It can be used in both literal contexts, such as describing light from the sun, and metaphorical contexts, like how someone's kindness can illuminate a dark situation.

When to use 照耀

A common mistake is to confuse 照耀 with similar verbs like 照 (zhào), which can mean to shine but is often used more in the context of reflecting light. 照耀 is more dynamic and impactful. Be cautious with the tones, as mispronouncing either character can lead to confusion.

照耀 or something close to it

照亮 (zhàoliàng) - use 照耀 when emphasizing the figurative aspect of illumination, while 照亮 focuses more on the literal act of making something bright.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 照耀 in contexts where a simpler verb like 照 would suffice, such as saying '这张照片照耀了我' (This photo illuminated me) instead of '这张照片照亮了我' (This photo lit me up), which is more appropriate.

Write 照耀

照
耀

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Grammar Patterns of 照耀

照耀 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

云已散去,月亮又在____了.

The clouds have cleared away and the moon is shining again.

Example Sentences for 照耀 (1)

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1
云已散去,月亮又在照耀了.

yún yǐ sàn qù, , yuè liàng yòu zài zhào yào.

The clouds have cleared away and the moon is shining again.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 照耀

Yes, you can use 照耀 metaphorically to describe how a person's positive traits shine through in their actions.

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