矯 (jiǎo) - To correct, rectify, straighten & to pretend, feign

矯Tone 3

jiǎo ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

矯 · jiǎo

To correct, rectify, straighten;

to pretend, feign;

strong, brave;

in names, implies strength and rectitude.

To correct, rectify, straightento pretend, feignstrong, brave

Usage highlights

Correct postureFeign emotionVigorous and powerfulAgile and nimbleOvercorrectBrave and strong

Synonyms

  • 正— to correct, to make right
  • 纠— to rectify, to investigate and correct
  • 健— strong, healthy (shares the 'vigorous' sense)

Antonyms

  • 弯— bent, crooked (antonym to the 'straighten' sense)
  • 曲— bent, crooked
  • 真— genuine, real (antonym to the 'feign' sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He corrected his posture (矫正姿势).
  • She pretended to be sick (矫情).
  • The gymnast performed a矫健 (vigorous) leap.
  • He was known for his矫捷 (agile) movements.

Collocations

  • Correct posture(矫正)
  • Feign emotion(矫情)
  • Vigorous and powerful(矫健)
  • Agile and nimble(矫捷)
  • Overcorrect(矫枉过正)
  • Brave and strong(矫勇)

Idioms

  • Overcorrecting a bend until it becomes straight in the opposite direction(矫枉过正)
  • To pretend to be profound(矫情镇物)
  • To feign madness and act the fool(矫狂过正)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant to straighten an arrow, extending to the meaning of correcting or rectifying.
  • Can carry a negative connotation of affectation or pretense, as in 矫情 (feigning emotion).
  • Used positively in classical contexts to describe physical strength and bravery (矫健, 矫勇).

FAQ