轺 (yáo) - A light, small horse-drawn carriage used in ancient

轺Tone 2

yáo ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

嬿一

轺 · yáo

A light, small horse-drawn carriage used in ancient China, typically for officials or messengers.

A light, small horse-drawn carriage used in ancient

Usage highlights

light carriagemessenger carriageofficial carriagesmall carriageyoke carriagetraveling carriage

Synonyms

  • 车— vehicle/carriage (general term)
  • 马车— horse carriage
  • 轻车— light carriage

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The official rode in a light carriage (轺车).
  • Messengers used these small carriages (轺传) for quick travel.
  • Ancient texts mention the yao carriage (轺车) for transportation.
  • The yao was a symbol of minor official rank (轺轩).

Collocations

  • light carriage(轺车)
  • messenger carriage(轺传)
  • official carriage(轺轩)
  • small carriage(轺辇)
  • yoke carriage(轺轸)
  • traveling carriage(行轺)

Idioms

  • Riding in a light carriage(乘轺)
  • Sending a light carriage(遣轺)
  • Returning with a light carriage(归轺)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The 轺 was a specific type of light carriage used by officials and messengers during ancient Chinese dynasties.
  • It represented a certain rank in the bureaucratic system - typically for lower or mid-level officials.
  • Mentioned in historical texts and poetry as a symbol of official travel and communication.

FAQ