Definitions

jiǎo (verb) to correct; to rectify
jiǎo (verb) to pretend; to feign
jiáo (adjective) argumentative; contentious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "矫", traditionally written as "矯", combines the radical "矢" meaning arrow with the phonetic component "喬", which implies elevation or straightening, originally denoting the action of straightening a bent arrow. From this concrete sense of physical correction, the term broadened to signify the rectification or amendment of behaviors and circumstances in a more general abstract manner. Over time, its semantic range acquired the nuance of affectation or pretense, as in conveying a false appearance, while also evolving to describe robust and agile physicality, reflecting a shift from external adjustment to inherent quality.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

医生正了他的牙齿。

Yīshēng jiǎozhèngle tā de yáchǐ.

The dentist corrected his teeth.

老师正了学生的错误。

Lǎoshī jiǎozhèngle xuéshēng de cuòwù.

The teacher corrected the student's mistake.

他走路步伐健。

Tā zǒulù bùfá jiǎojiàn.

He walks with vigorous steps.

她说话有点情。

Tā shuōhuà yǒudiǎn jiǎoqíng.

She speaks a bit affectedly.

正视力需要配眼镜。

Jiǎozhèng shìlì xūyào pèi yǎnjìng.

Correcting vision requires wearing glasses.

他的健身姿令人羡慕。

Tā de jiǎojiàn shēnzī lìng rén xiànmù.

His vigorous physique is enviable.

治不良习惯需要时间。

Jiǎozhì bùliáng xíguàn xūyào shíjiān.

Correcting bad habits takes time.

饰的情感无法打动人心。

Jiǎoshì de qínggǎn wúfǎ dǎdòng rénxīn.

Affected emotions cannot move people.