Chinese characters for “jiao”
64 characters share this plain syllable. Compare tone marks first, then open a character for writing and usage.
Separate the sound family before memorizing characters
The same letters can represent different words when the tone changes.
First tone
jiāo
to connect
6 strokes · HSK 3.0 L4burned, scorched
12 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9to spray, to sprinkle, to water
9 strokes · HSK 3.0 L5large-leaf gentian
5 strokessuburbs, outskirts
8 strokesbeautiful, handsome, pretty
9 strokesseductive, lovable, tender
9 strokesan edible aquatic grass
9 strokeshaughty, spirited
9 strokesglue, gum, resin, rubber
10 strokespepper, spice
12 strokesa legendary scaled dragon
12 strokesto tumble, to fall
13 strokesclever, alert
14 strokesshark
14 strokesseductive, lovable, tender
15 strokesto spray, to sprinkle, to water
15 strokesglue, gum, resin, rubber
15 strokesbanana, plantain
15 strokesthe triple foci, the three visceral cavities
16 strokesjetty, reef
17 strokesshark
17 strokeswren
17 strokesmite, larva
18 strokeshaughty, spirited
22 strokeswren
23 strokesThird tone
jiǎo
leg, foot
11 strokes · HSK 3.0 L3angle, corner
7 strokes · HSK 3.0 L3to annoy, to disturb, to stir up
12 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9to deliver, to submit, to hand over
16 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9intertwined
9 strokes · HSK 3.0 L7-9beautiful, handsome, good-looking
8 strokesto be lucky
8 strokesto correct
9 strokescunning, deceitful, treacherous
9 strokesstuffed dumplings
9 strokeswhite
11 strokesto correct, to rectify, to straighten out
11 strokeshinge
11 strokesmarsh, swamp, small pond
12 strokesintertwined
12 strokesto annihilate, to destroy, to exterminate
13 strokesancient musical instrument
13 strokesleg, foot
13 strokesto be lucky
14 strokeshinge
14 strokesstuffed dumplings
14 strokesborder, frontier
16 strokesto correct, to rectify, to straighten out
17 strokeswhite
18 strokesinsect
18 strokesto deliver, to submit, to hand over
19 strokesto annoy, to disturb, to stir up
23 strokesFourth tone
jiào
cry, shout
5 strokes · HSK 3.0 L1school, education
11 strokes · HSK 3.0 L2to compare
10 strokes · HSK 3.0 L5tall pointed mountain
9 strokessedan-chair, palanquin, litter
10 strokescellar, storeroom
12 strokesto compare
13 strokesyeast
14 strokesto chew, to eat, to munch
15 strokessedan-chair, palanquin, litter
19 strokesto anoint, to perform a rite
19 strokesWords using this pronunciation family
Move from isolated sounds into useful vocabulary.