Definitions

jiāo (noun) reef; shoal

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "礁" is structured with the stone radical "石" on the left and the phonetic component "焦" on the right, which indicates its pronunciation and associates it with rocky substances. Etymologically, the term originally described rocks that become exposed or prominent, particularly in aquatic settings where they emerge at low tide. Its meaning later specialized to denote specific maritime formations such as reefs and submerged rocks that obstruct navigation, reflecting a shift from general rocky exposures to identified hazards in waterways. The character's composition has stayed consistent, with "石" conveying the material and "焦" providing the phonetic element.

Example Sentences Hide

海里有很多石。

Hǎi lǐ yǒu hěnduō jiāoshí.

There are many reefs in the sea.

小心水下的暗

Xiǎoxīn shuǐ xià de ànjiāo.

Be careful of the hidden reefs underwater.

珊瑚非常美丽。

Shānhújiāo fēicháng měilì.

Coral reefs are very beautiful.

船只经常触碰石。

Chuánzhī jīngcháng chùpèng jiāoshí.

Ships often hit reefs.

那片区是航海者的噩梦。

Nà piàn jiāo qū shì hánghǎi zhě de èmèng.

That reef area is a nightmare for navigators.

由于暗遍布,航行必须谨慎。

Yóuyú ànjiāo biànbù, hángxíng bìxū jǐnshèn.

Due to widespread hidden reefs, navigation must be cautious.

探险队发现了古老的岩化石。

Tànxiǎn duì fāxiànle gǔlǎo de jiāo yán huàshí.

The expedition discovered ancient reef rock fossils.

在风暴中,灯塔的光芒指引船只远离险峻的群。

Zài fēngbào zhōng, dēngtǎ de guāngmáng zhǐyǐn chuánzhī yuǎn lí xiǎnjùn de jiāo qún.

In the storm, the lighthouse beam guides ships away from the dangerous reef cluster.