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March 24, 2026
苗miáo(Miao2)
The character 苗 (miáo) refers to sprouts or seedlings, often used in agricultural contexts. It also denotes the Miao ethnic group, a prominent cultural community in southwest China, known for their rich traditions and vibrant clothing. The term can refer to both the biological concept of young plants and the cultural identity of the Miao people.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#16504DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The Miao people have a significant cultural presence in China, particularly known for their intricate silver jewelry and traditional festivals. Understanding the term 苗 deepens appreciation for the diversity within Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a small sprout (苗) pushing through the soil, reaching for the sun. The character looks like a sprout with its two leafy components at the top. The pronunciation 'miáo' sounds like 'meow', picturing a cat curiously observing the sprout's growth.
Meanings of 苗
miáo(Miao2)
1Hmong or Miao ethnic group of southwest China
2sprout
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 苗
苗Simplified
8Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#16504Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 苗
Podcast: 苗
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AI Study Notes for 苗
Quick Contrast
苗 (miáo) vs 幼 (yòu) — use 苗 for young plants or seedlings specifically, while 幼 refers more broadly to young or immature beings.
Usage Notes
When using 苗 in conversation, be mindful of the context to avoid confusion between its agricultural and ethnic meanings. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but make sure to clarify if discussing the Miao people or plant sprouts. Note that the fourth tone (miáo) is crucial to distinguish it from similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although 苗 is not an HSK level word, it relates to vocabulary around agriculture and cultural identity, which may appear in higher-level contexts. Students should focus on its dual meanings and practice using it in sentences about both plants and ethnic groups.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 苗 with similar-sounding characters. For instance, using 'miǎo' (third tone) instead of 'miáo' (second tone) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure the correct tone is used for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 苗
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How Well Do You Know 苗?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 苗 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.
How to say Hmong or Miao ethnic group of southwest China in Chinese
“Hmong or Miao ethnic group of southwest China” in Chinese is苗miáo
The character 苗 (miáo) refers to sprouts or seedlings, often used in agricultural contexts. It also denotes the Miao ethnic group, a prominent cultural community in southwest China, known for their rich traditions and vibrant clothing. The term can refer to both the biological concept of young plants and the cultural identity of the Miao people.
When to use 苗
When using 苗 in conversation, be mindful of the context to avoid confusion between its agricultural and ethnic meanings. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but make sure to clarify if discussing the Miao people or plant sprouts. Note that the fourth tone (miáo) is crucial to distinguish it from similar-sounding words.
苗 or something close to it
苗 (miáo) vs 幼 (yòu) — use 苗 for young plants or seedlings specifically, while 幼 refers more broadly to young or immature beings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 苗 with similar-sounding characters. For instance, using 'miǎo' (third tone) instead of 'miáo' (second tone) can lead to misunderstandings. Always ensure the correct tone is used for clarity.
Write 苗
苗
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Practice writing 苗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 苗
苗 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 4 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这位大人凝视的目光离开火____，与上校的目光相遇。
The Monsignor turned his gaze from the flames to meet the Colonel's.
