mysterious, subtle

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (miào) primarily means 'wonderful,' 'clever,' or 'subtle.' It often describes something skillful, ingenious, or pleasantly surprising. It can refer to artistic skills, solutions to problems, or the charm of a story.

Common Collocations

  • (miào jì): clever plan or strategy
  • (miào shǒu): skillful hands, expert
  • (miào qù héng shēng): full of wit and charm

Usage Notes

is generally positive and used to praise something's excellence or ingenuity. It is more literary or formal than everyday words like (good). Avoid confusing with similar-sounding words that mean 'strange' (like in some dialects), as here emphasizes skill and beauty.

Register and Tone

This character is often used in written language, formal speech, or artistic contexts. It conveys admiration and appreciation rather than casual approval.

Example Sentences

His painting skills are very excellent, and the color matching is very

The solution to this problem is clever, both simple and effective.

The story he told was full of charm and wit; everyone listened with great