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March 24, 2026
兆zhào(Zhao4)
兆 (zhào) has multiple meanings, primarily referring to an omen or a sign of something to come. It is also used in a numerical context to denote a million or larger quantities such as mega- or trillion in modern usage. In contemporary China, it is often associated with the digital age, indicating vast amounts or scales.
Strokes6Radical儿Frequency#12655DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of predicting the future or omens is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, including practices like divination. The use of 兆 in modern contexts reflects the blend of ancient wisdom with contemporary numerical applications.
Memory tip
Imagine a giant 'Zhao' (兆) standing with a sign that reads 'Million' in big letters. The character looks like a person (亻) with a large number (兆) behind them, symbolizing that they are predicting something big, like the future wealth of a million. This vivid image helps you recall both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 兆
zhào(Zhao4)
1omen
2to foretell
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 兆 means.
About 兆
兆Simplified
6Strokes
儿Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#12655Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 兆
Podcast: 兆
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AI study notes for 兆
Usage Notes
兆 is used mostly in formal contexts when discussing large numbers or predictions. Common mistakes include confusing it with 兆 (zhào) as a surname, which is less frequent in everyday conversations. Pay attention to the tones, as using the wrong tone can alter the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
While 兆 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other numerical terms in higher levels. Students should focus on its application in financial or data-related discussions, as well as its role in expressions of prediction or foresight.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 兆 with the character for 'sign' (征) or mispronounce it as zhāo instead of zhào. Remember, 兆 specifically relates to predictions and large numerical values, so use it accordingly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 兆
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 兆 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
兆 (zhào) has multiple meanings, primarily referring to an omen or a sign of something to come. It is also used in a numerical context to denote a million or larger quantities such as mega- or trillion in modern usage. In contemporary China, it is often associated with the digital age, indicating vast amounts or scales.
When to use 兆
兆 is used mostly in formal contexts when discussing large numbers or predictions. Common mistakes include confusing it with 兆 (zhào) as a surname, which is less frequent in everyday conversations. Pay attention to the tones, as using the wrong tone can alter the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 兆 with the character for 'sign' (征) or mispronounce it as zhāo instead of zhào. Remember, 兆 specifically relates to predictions and large numerical values, so use it accordingly.
Write 兆
兆
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Practice writing 兆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 兆
兆 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. 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.
上个月提议的变动在3月份的预算中已经有所预____了。
The change proposed last month was foreshadowed in the March Budget.
Example sentences for 兆 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
上个月提议的变动在3月份的预算中已经有所预兆了。
shànggèyuè tíyì de biàndòng zài3 yuèfèn de yùsuàn zhōng yǐjīng yǒusuǒ yùzhào le。
The change proposed last month was foreshadowed in the March Budget.
2
这节诗描绘了春天来临的三个征兆。
zhè jié shī miáohuì le chūntiān láilín de sāngè zhēng zhào。
