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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Pictograph of cracks in a shell used in ancient China for fortune-telling.
1The giveawayCracks in oracle bones used in fortune-telling
2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 兆? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 兆?
Decomposition of 兆
IDS Structure⿻儿？
兆Full Character
=
儿er2
outer
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 兆?
How to say omen in Chinese
“omen” in Chinese is兆zhào
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
Complete the Sentence
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。
shàng gè yuè tí yì de biàn dòng zài3 3 yuè fèn de yù suàn zhōng yǐ jīng yǒu suǒ yù zhào。
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 miáo huì le chūn tiān lái lín de sān gè zhēng zhào。
