The term 嚣张 (xiāozhāng) describes someone who is arrogant, overbearing, or excessively confident, often to the point of provoking others. It is commonly used to characterize behavior that is bold and disrespectful, particularly in social contexts where humility is valued. This word can also imply a lack of awareness of one’s limits or consequences.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
xiāozhāng(xiao1zhang1) T1
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May 27, 2026
嚣张xiāozhāng(xiao1zhang1)
The term 嚣张 (xiāozhāng) describes someone who is arrogant, overbearing, or excessively confident, often to the point of provoking others. It is commonly used to characterize behavior that is bold and disrespectful, particularly in social contexts where humility is valued. This word can also imply a lack of awareness of one’s limits or consequences.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued more than overt confidence, making 嚣张 a particularly negative trait. This word reflects societal expectations around modesty and the importance of not overstepping social boundaries.
Memory Tip
Imagine a loud rooster (the character 嚣) strutting around, making a fuss and showing off. This rooster is so self-assured that it doesn't notice the fox lurking nearby, symbolizing how someone who is 嚣张 is boldly flaunting their confidence without considering the potential repercussions. The sound 'xiāo' can remind you of 'show,' reinforcing the image of someone showing off.
About 嚣张
嚣张Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 嚣张
Podcast: 嚣张
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AI Study Notes for 嚣张
Quick Contrast
傲慢 (àomàn) - use 嚣张 when describing behavior that provokes or annoys others, while 傲慢 focuses more on the quality of being proud or haughty without necessarily provoking.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a loud rooster (the character 嚣) strutting around, making a fuss and showing off. This rooster is so self-assured that it doesn't notice the fox lurking nearby, symbolizing how someone who is 嚣张 is boldly flaunting their confidence without considering the potential repercussions. The sound 'xiāo' can remind you of 'show,' reinforcing the image of someone showing off.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to use 嚣张 in overly formal contexts, as it carries a negative connotation. It often appears in discussions surrounding arrogance in both personal and professional settings. Learners might confuse it with similar words like 傲慢 (àomàn) which also means arrogant but has slightly different usage.
HSK Study Tips
For HSK 7 learners, focus on understanding the nuances in tone and context when using 嚣张. Connect it with other HSK 7 vocabulary related to character traits and behaviors, such as 自信 (zìxìn, confident) and 骄傲 (jiāo’ào, proud) to deepen your comprehension of interpersonal dynamics.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued more than overt confidence, making 嚣张 a particularly negative trait. This word reflects societal expectations around modesty and the importance of not overstepping social boundaries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misinterpret 嚣张 as a neutral or slightly positive term, mistakenly using it to describe someone who is simply confident. For example, saying '他很嚣张' ('He is very confident') is incorrect; it would imply that the person is arrogantly overstepping bounds.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 嚣张
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Cultural Notes for 嚣张
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, humility is often valued more than overt confidence, making 嚣张 a particularly negative trait. This word reflects societal expectations around modesty and the importance of not overstepping social boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions about 嚣张
Yes, 嚣张 typically has a negative connotation, describing behavior that is seen as excessively arrogant or disrespectful.
No, 嚣张 does not have a positive usage; it should be reserved for describing negative traits.
Synonyms include 自大 (zìdà, conceited) and 傲慢 (àomàn, arrogant), but be mindful of their specific contexts.
