to select, to choose

JLPT N1 9 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meanings

The character (tiāo) primarily means "to choose" or "to pick," often used when selecting items carefully, such as fruit or goods. It also carries the meaning "to challenge," especially in contexts where someone takes on a difficult task or competition.

Common Collocations

  • 水果 (tiāo shuǐguǒ): to pick/select fruit, used when choosing fresh or good quality fruit.
  • 挑战极限 (tiǎozhàn jíxiàn): to challenge one's limits, common in sports or personal growth contexts.
  • 挑剔 (tiāotì): to be picky or nitpick, often describing a critical attitude toward small faults.

Notes

When used as "挑剔," the meaning shifts from neutral selection to a negative sense of faultfinding. Be careful not to confuse (to choose) with 挑战 (to challenge), which is a compound word with a more specific meaning. is versatile but context-dependent, so pay attention to surrounding words to understand whether it means "choose," "challenge," or "nitpick."

Example Sentences

He picked several apples at the fruit stand.

She decided to challenge her limits and participate in the marathon.

He always likes to nitpick others' small mistakes.