Chinese Character: 郊
1. Character Basics
Radical: 阝/右耳旁 (yòu ěr páng) - right ear radical
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiāo (first tone)
3. Meaning
suburb, outskirts, rural area surrounding a city
4. Common Words
- 郊区 (jiāo qū) - suburb
- 郊外 (jiāo wài) - outskirts, countryside
- 近郊 (jìn jiāo) - near suburbs
- 远郊 (yuǎn jiāo) - far suburbs
- 郊游 (jiāo yóu) - outing to the countryside
- 郊野 (jiāo yě) - countryside, open fields
5. Grammar & Usage
"郊" is primarily used as a noun referring to areas outside city centers.
It is often used in compound words to specify different types of suburban areas or activities related to the countryside.
Common structures include "在...郊区" (in the suburbs of...), "去...郊游" (go for an outing to...), etc.
In written Chinese, it can also be used in more poetic contexts to refer to the countryside.
6. Cultural Background
In ancient China, cities were often surrounded by defensive walls, with clearly defined areas inside (城) and outside (郊).
Traditional Chinese painting and poetry often depict scenes of the countryside outside cities, highlighting the natural beauty beyond urban areas.
In modern China, rapid urbanization has led to the expansion of cities into their surrounding suburbs.
Many people enjoy weekend outings to the suburbs to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 我们这个周末去郊外野餐吧。
Pinyin: Wǒmen zhège zhōumò qù jiāowài yěcān ba.
Translation: Let's go for a picnic in the countryside this weekend.
8. Memory Tips
The character "郊" consists of two parts: the radical "阝" (right ear radical) on the right and "交" (jiāo) on the left.
The "阝" radical often indicates places or locations, while "交" suggests connection or meeting point.
To remember this character, think of "交" (meeting point) at a place ("阝") outside the city - the suburbs where city and countryside meet.