HSK 4 · Chinese hanzi

操

操 — to hold

Reading
cāo
Meaning
to hold; to operate; to exercise
HSK level
HSK 4
Language
Chinese

About this hanzi

操 is a chinese hanzi character commonly studied at the HSK 4 level. Its primary reading is cāo and it means to hold; to operate; to exercise. To master it, see it in real Chinese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.

操 appears in everyday chinese words such as 操场 (playground; sports ground), 操作 (operate, handle, manipulate) and 体操 (gymnastics).

Chinese words containing 操

Frequently asked questions

What does 操 mean in Chinese?

操 means to hold; to operate; to exercise in Chinese. It is one of the HSK 4 hanzi every learner meets at that level.

How is 操 read?

操 is read cāo. Reading it inside real words — 操场 and 操作 and more — is the fastest way to remember it.

What level is 操 — is it HSK 4?

Yes. 操 is on the official HSK 4 hanzi list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.

How do you use 操 in a word?

A common word containing 操 is 操场 (cāo chǎng) — "playground; sports ground". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.

How do I learn 操 effectively?

Read it in context. Import any Chinese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 操 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.

More HSK 4 hanzi

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