intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
HSK 7, n, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
to twist (strands into a thread)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
to entangle
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
to hang (by the neck)
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
to turn
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
to wind
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
绞
jiǎo
classifier for skeins of yarn
HSK 7, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 纟, rank #14181, Hard
jiǎo(jiao3) T3
1intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
2to twist (strands into a thread)
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March 24, 2026
绞(絞)jiǎo(jiao3)
The character 绞 (jiǎo) primarily means to twist or wring, often in contexts involving fabric or threads. It can also refer to the act of hanging, particularly in a historical or punitive sense, and is used as a classifier for skeins of yarn. Its versatility allows it to convey both physical actions and abstract concepts of entanglement.
Strokes9Radical纟Frequency#14181DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In historical China, 绞 (hanging) was a common method of execution, reflecting the harsh legal practices of the time. This character also connects to traditional crafts such as weaving, which hold cultural significance in many regions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong person named 'Jiao' twisting and wringing out a wet towel. The character 绞 looks like a twisted piece of yarn that is being wrung out, reminding you of the action it represents. Visualize 'Jiao' hanging a towel to dry, reinforcing the idea of twisting and hanging.
Meanings of 绞
jiǎo(jiao3)
1intertwined; to twist, to wring; to hang a criminal
2to twist (strands into a thread)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绞
绞Simplified
絞Traditional
9Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 绞
Podcast: 绞
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AI Study Notes for 绞
Quick Contrast
拧 (nǐng) — use 绞 for twisting or wringing, especially in fabric contexts, while 拧 is more general for twisting, often without the implication of fabric.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong person named 'Jiao' twisting and wringing out a wet towel. The character 绞 looks like a twisted piece of yarn that is being wrung out, reminding you of the action it represents. Visualize 'Jiao' hanging a towel to dry, reinforcing the idea of twisting and hanging.
Usage Notes
Beware of mixing up 绞 (jiǎo) with similar-sounding characters; context is crucial. Although it can be used in both formal and informal situations, the usage related to hanging has a somber tone and should be approached delicately. Common collocations include 绞尽脑汁 (to wring one's brain for ideas) and 绞刑 (hanging punishment).
HSK Study Tips
While 绞 is not part of the HSK levels, understanding it can help expand vocabulary related to actions and punishments. Students should focus on its various meanings and practice using it in different contexts, particularly in writing and conversation about fabric or historical references.
Cultural Note
In historical China, 绞 (hanging) was a common method of execution, reflecting the harsh legal practices of the time. This character also connects to traditional crafts such as weaving, which hold cultural significance in many regions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绞 (jiǎo) with 搅 (jiǎo), which means to stir. For example, saying '我在绞汤' (I am twisting the soup) instead of '我在搅汤' (I am stirring the soup) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绞
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Grammar Patterns of 绞
绞 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 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 4
Complete the Sentence
我____尽脑汁，处心积虑，就是为了让他嫉妒。
I worked myself into frenzy plotting ways to make him jealous.
Example Sentences for 绞 (8)
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1
我绞尽脑汁，处心积虑，就是为了让他嫉妒。
wǒ jiǎo jìn nǎo zhī， ， chǔ xīn jī， lǜ ， jiù shì wéi le ràng tā。
I worked myself into frenzy plotting ways to make him jealous.
At nine the next morning Bentley was pinioned, hooded and hanged.
5
他的同学们正在绞尽脑汁地演算初等代数题.
tā de tóng xué mén zhèng zài jiǎo jìn nǎo zhī dì yǎn suàn chū děng dài shù tí.
His classmates were labouring with elementary algebra.
6
在监狱外执行绞刑是为了示众.
zài jiān yù wài zhí háng jiǎo xíng shì wéi le shì zhòng.
Hangings took place outside the prison as a public spectacle.
7
她想把睡衣踢脱，可是它却和缎子床单绞到了一块。
tā xiǎng bǎ shuì yī tī tuō， ， kě shì tā què hé duàn zǐ chuáng dān jiǎo dào le yī。
She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet.
8
心绞痛的其他征兆有恶心、出汗、头昏和气短。
xīn jiǎo tòng de qí tā zhēng zhào yǒu è xīn、 、 chū、 hàn 、 tóu hūn hé。
Other signs of angina are nausea, sweating, feeling faint and shortness of breath.
Cultural Notes for 绞
🏮Cultural insight
In historical China, 绞 (hanging) was a common method of execution, reflecting the harsh legal practices of the time. This character also connects to traditional crafts such as weaving, which hold cultural significance in many regions.
Word Family of 绞
Words Containing This Character17
绞jiǎoto wring絞
绞死to strangle絞死
心绞痛angina心絞痛
绞刑to execute by hanging絞刑
绞尽脑汁to rack one's brains絞盡腦汁
绞痛cramp絞痛
绞盘capstan絞盤
绞刑架gibbet絞刑架
绞架gallows絞架
绞索a noose for hanging criminals絞索
绞肉机meat grinder絞肉機
绞车winch絞車
双绞线UTP雙絞線
心如刀绞to feel a pain like a knife being twisted in one's heart (idiom)心如刀絞
绞肉minced meat絞肉
绞刀reamer絞刀
绞脑汁to rack one's brains絞腦汁
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 绞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绞
You can use 绞 in phrases like 绞尽脑汁 (jiǎo jìn nǎo zhī) which means to rack one's brains.
It is less common in casual conversation but may appear in discussions about textiles or historical contexts.
The pinyin is jiǎo, with a falling-rising tone. Practice by emphasizing the twist in your pronunciation.
