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萧条 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
萧条xiāotiáobleakHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #12240, Very Hard
萧条xiāotiáodesolateHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #12240, Very Hard
萧条xiāotiáo(economic) depression or slumpHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #12240, Very Hard
xiāotiáo(xiao1tiao2) T1
  1. 1bleak
  2. 2desolate
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March 24, 2026

萧条(蕭條)xiāotiáo(xiao1tiao2)

萧条 (xiāo tiáo) generally describes a state of bleakness or desolation. It is commonly used in economic contexts to refer to a depression or slump characterized by reduced activity or prosperity.

Strokes18Frequency#12240DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

The term 萧条 is often associated with significant historical events in China, such as the Great Depression or periods of economic hardship. It reflects the emotional landscape of those times, resonating deeply in literature and art.

Memory Tip

Imagine a deserted street filled with sad, wilting plants that are '萧条' (xiāo tiáo). The character 萧 (xiāo) can remind you of a 'shrill' sound, like the wind blowing through empty spaces, emphasizing desolation, while 条 (tiáo) can evoke the image of 'lines' or 'strips' of emptiness stretching out.

Meanings of 萧条

xiāotiáo(xiao1tiao2)
1bleak
2desolate
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About 萧条

萧条Simplified
蕭條Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 萧条

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Podcast: 萧条

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AI Study Notes for 萧条

Quick Contrast

萧条 (xiāotiáo) vs 衰退 (shuāituì): use 萧条 to emphasize a state of bleakness or desolation, while 衰退 focuses more on a decline in strength or vitality.

Usage Notes

This term tends to be used in more formal contexts, particularly in economic discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have more neutral meanings; ensure you use it specifically for bleak or depressed situations. Typical collocations include '经济萧条' (economic depression).

HSK Study Tips

萧条 is not an HSK vocabulary word, but it can enrich your understanding of economic terms if you are studying at an advanced level. Focus on the context in which it is used, especially in discussions about economic conditions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 萧条 in casual contexts, thinking it can describe any negative situation. For instance, saying '我今天心情萧条' (I'm feeling bleak today) would be incorrect; a more appropriate word for mood would be '沮丧' (jǔsàng).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 萧条

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Component Characters

萧xiāomournful, desolate; common Artemisa
11 strokes艹
View full entry
条tiáostrip
HSK 27 strokes木
View full entry

How to say bleak in Chinese

“bleak” in Chinese is萧条xiāotiáo

萧条 (xiāo tiáo) generally describes a state of bleakness or desolation. It is commonly used in economic contexts to refer to a depression or slump characterized by reduced activity or prosperity.

When to use 萧条

This term tends to be used in more formal contexts, particularly in economic discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have more neutral meanings; ensure you use it specifically for bleak or depressed situations. Typical collocations include '经济萧条' (economic depression).

萧条 or something close to it

萧条 (xiāotiáo) vs 衰退 (shuāituì): use 萧条 to emphasize a state of bleakness or desolation, while 衰退 focuses more on a decline in strength or vitality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 萧条 in casual contexts, thinking it can describe any negative situation. For instance, saying '我今天心情萧条' (I'm feeling bleak today) would be incorrect; a more appropriate word for mood would be '沮丧' (jǔsàng).

Write 萧条

萧
条

Practice writing 萧条 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 萧条

Not directly; 萧条 is primarily used for economic or environmental bleakness, not personal emotions.

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