角
corner; horn; jiao (1/10 yuan)
jiǎo
What does 角 mean?
角 (jiǎo) is a noun with three everyday meanings learners should hold separately. First, it is a corner or angle — 桌子的角 (the corner of the table), 三角形 (triangle, literally 'three-corner shape'). Second, it is a horn — the bony projection on an animal's head, as in 牛角 (cow horn). Third, it is the second-tier unit of Chinese currency: 1 元 (yuán) = 10 角 (jiǎo) = 100 分 (fēn).
In spoken Mandarin, this currency unit is almost universally pronounced 毛 (máo) instead — '五块两毛' rather than '五块两角.' The written form 角 stays on price tags and receipts. The same character is also pronounced jué when it means 'role' or 'character' in theater (主角 zhǔjué, 'lead role'); learners meet that reading later. For HSK 3, the dominant readings are 'corner' and the currency 'jiao.'
Note:
Character breakdown
corner; horn; jiao (currency)
Memory hook: The character pictures an animal horn — pointed, sticking out. From 'horn,' the meaning extends to 'angle' and 'corner.'
Measure word for 角
Example sentences
桌子的角很尖。
Zhuōzi de jiǎo hěn jiān.
The corner of the table is very sharp.
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三角形有三个角。
Sānjiǎoxíng yǒu sān ge jiǎo.
A triangle has three corners.
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这本书五块两角。
Zhè běn shū wǔ kuài liǎng jiǎo.
This book is 5 yuan 2 jiao.
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请从另一个角度看这个问题。
Qǐng cóng lìng yī ge jiǎodù kàn zhège wèntí.
Please look at this problem from another angle.
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Common phrases with 角
Synonyms
毛 is the spoken currency word for 0.1 yuan; 角 is the written/formal word for the same unit. Receipts say 五角; people say 五毛. Both refer to the same coin.
角落 specifically means 'corner (of a room or space)' — the tucked-away spot. 角 by itself is more often the geometric 'corner' or 'angle.' Use 角落 for 'in the corner of the room,' 角 for 'the corner of the table.'
Don't confuse 角 with
FAQ
Acquire by listening
Hear 角 in real Chinese, not in a flashcard.
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