to annoy, to disturb, to stir up

JLPT N5 12 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Nuances

The character (jiǎo) primarily means 'to stir' or 'to mix,' often referring to physically stirring liquids or mixtures. It also carries a figurative sense of 'stirring up trouble' or 'disturbing' a situation, especially in social or group contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 搅拌 (jiǎobàn): to stir or mix, commonly used in cooking or chemistry.
  • (jiǎojú): to disrupt or interfere in a situation, often causing trouble.
  • (jiǎodòng): to stir up, can be literal (stirring water) or figurative (stirring emotions).

Register and Tone

is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When used figuratively (e.g., ), it often implies annoyance or negative interference.

Common Confusion

is sometimes confused with 搅拌, which is a compound verb meaning 'to stir or mix.' alone can be used in both literal and figurative senses, but 搅拌 is more specific to physical mixing.

Understanding in both literal and figurative contexts will help learners use it appropriately in daily conversation and writing.

Example Sentences

Please do not stir up the sediment in the water.

He always stirs up trouble in meetings, making everyone uncomfortable.

Mom is stirring the batter in the kitchen.