HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
remote
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
far
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
遥
yáo
far away
HSK 7, ag, 13 strokes, radical 辶, rank #8361, Very Hard
yáo(yao2)yao T2
1distant
2remote
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March 24, 2026
遥(遙)yáo(yao2)
The character 遥 (yáo) refers to something that is distant or far away, both in a physical sense and in a metaphorical sense, such as distant dreams or aspirations. It is often used in contexts relating to time, space, or emotional distance, conveying a sense of longing or unattainability.
Strokes13Radical辶Frequency#8361DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese poetry, the concept of distance reflects not only physical space but also emotional and spiritual journeys, with 遥 often symbolizing unreachable dreams or desires, emphasizing the value placed on aspiration.
Memory Tip
Imagine a long, winding road leading to a horizon that seems far away. The character 遥 has the radical for 'road' (辶) at its core, reminding you that it describes something that is not just far in distance, but also a journey or path that feels remote.
Meanings of 遥
yáo(yao2)
1distant
2remote
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 遥 means.
About 遥
遥Simplified
遙Traditional
13Strokes
辶Radical
形容词性语素xíngróngcíadjective root (adj.root)Part of Speech
#8361Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 遥
Podcast: 遥
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AI Study Notes for 遥
Quick Contrast
远 (yuǎn) - use 遥 (yáo) for connotations of emotional or metaphorical distance, while 远 (yuǎn) is more literal and straightforward.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 遥 with other characters for 'far', like 远 (yuǎn). While both refer to distance, 遥 often carries a more poetic or emotional nuance. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or poetry, rather than everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
Although 遥 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 and above vocabulary related to distance and travel, such as 远 (yuǎn). Focus on the different contexts in which these words are used to enhance your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 遥 incorrectly in casual contexts where 远 (yuǎn) would be more appropriate, such as saying 遥的朋友 (yáo de péngyǒu) instead of 远的朋友 (yuǎn de péngyǒu) for 'distant friend'. Remember, 遥 is more poetic and formal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遥
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How Well Do You Know 遥?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 遥 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.
遥 = 辶 + 䍃. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 遥
IDS Structure⿺辶䍃
遥Full Character
=
辶chuo4
enclosing
䍃you2
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 遥?
How to say distant in Chinese
“distant” in Chinese is遥yáo
The character 遥 (yáo) refers to something that is distant or far away, both in a physical sense and in a metaphorical sense, such as distant dreams or aspirations. It is often used in contexts relating to time, space, or emotional distance, conveying a sense of longing or unattainability.
When to use 遥
Learners often confuse 遥 with other characters for 'far', like 远 (yuǎn). While both refer to distance, 遥 often carries a more poetic or emotional nuance. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as literature or poetry, rather than everyday conversation.
遥 or something close to it
远 (yuǎn) - use 遥 (yáo) for connotations of emotional or metaphorical distance, while 远 (yuǎn) is more literal and straightforward.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes use 遥 incorrectly in casual contexts where 远 (yuǎn) would be more appropriate, such as saying 遥的朋友 (yáo de péngyǒu) instead of 远的朋友 (yuǎn de péngyǒu) for 'distant friend'. Remember, 遥 is more poetic and formal.
Write 遥
遥
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Practice writing 遥 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 遥
遥 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
