Definition
叫 (jiào) is the everyday word for 'to be called' (a name) and 'to tell/ask someone to do something'. For the naming sense, 叫作 (jiào zuò) is a more formal synonym used in definitions or written contexts. 叫 also serves as a preposition meaning 'by' in passive sentences.
verb
to be calledto call (a name)to tell/ask (someone to do something)
preposition
by (indicates agent in passive sentences)
Easily confused
- 收shōulook-aliketo receive, to accept
- 教jiāosound-aliketo teach
- 脚jiǎosound-alikefoot
- 交jiāosound-aliketo hand in, to deliver, to deliver
- 角jiǎosound-alike(classifier) unit of currency equal to one-tenth of a yuan (10 fen); dime
- 嚼jiáosound-aliketo chew
- 较jiàosound-alike(adverb) relatively, comparatively, rather (modifying an adjective)
- 焦jiāosound-alikeburnt, scorched, charred (resultative complement)
- 搅jiǎosound-aliketo stir, to mix
- 浇jiāosound-aliketo water (plants)
Examples
- 叫？Nǐ jiào shénme?What are you called?
- 叫。Māma jiào wǒ chī fàn.Mom told me to eat.
- 叫。Píngguǒ jiào tā chī le.The apple was eaten by him.
Grammar
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