窕 (tiǎo) - quiet and secluded & serene

窕Tone 3

tiǎo ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

窕 · tiǎo

quiet and secluded;

serene;

elegant and graceful;

charming;

(archaic) deep and profound.

quiet and secludedsereneelegant and graceful

Usage highlights

elegant and gracefulsecluded and tranquilprofound and serenegraceful ladyquiet and deepsecluded beauty

Synonyms

  • 窈— quiet; serene; profound
  • 幽— secluded; quiet; deep
  • 静— quiet; calm

Antonyms

  • 喧— noisy; loud
  • 闹— bustling; lively
  • 粗— coarse; rough

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The courtyard is secluded and tranquil (窈窕的庭院).
  • She has an elegant and graceful demeanor (窈窕淑女).
  • The path leads to a secluded retreat (窕邃的小径).
  • The music has a profound and serene quality (窕渺的音乐).

Collocations

  • elegant and graceful(窈窕)
  • secluded and tranquil(窕邃)
  • profound and serene(窕渺)
  • graceful lady(窈窕淑女)
  • quiet and deep(窕窕)
  • secluded beauty(窕美)

Idioms

  • A quiet and virtuous maiden(窈窕淑女)
  • Graceful and elegant(窈窕多姿)
  • Deep and profound(窕邃幽深)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Frequently appears in classical Chinese poetry to describe feminine beauty and secluded elegance.
  • The term 窈窕淑女 from the Book of Songs established the character's association with ideal feminine virtue.
  • Often used in literary contexts to convey a sense of refined, understated beauty rather than overt attractiveness.

FAQ