照 (zhào) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 照 (zhào) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 照 (zhào) means "to shine; to reflect; to take a photo". It is an HSK Level 2 character, with 13 strokes and the radical 灬.

Q: How do you write 照 stroke by stroke?

照 has 13 strokes. The radical is 灬. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 照 and 烹?

照 (zhào) and 烹 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 照?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 灬. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 照?

Common words containing 照 include: 照片 (zhào piān) — photo; photograph; 照顾 (zhào gù) — to take care of; to look after; 护照 (hù zhào) — passport.

How to Write 照

The character 照 (zhào) is written with 13 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 灬 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

照 is pronounced zhào in Mandarin Chinese. It means to shine; to reflect; to take a photo.

As an HSK Level 2 character, 照 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 照

照片 zhào piān

photo; photograph

照顾 zhào gù

to take care of; to look after

护照 hù zhào

passport

Example Sentences

这是我们全家的照片。

zhè shì wǒ men quán jiā de zhào piān

This is a photo of my whole family.

请照顾好你的弟弟。

qǐng zhào gù hǎo nǐ de dì di

Please take good care of your younger brother.

出国旅游需要护照。

chū guó lǚ yóu xū yào hù zhào

You need a passport to travel abroad.

Similar Characters

烹 pēng

焉 yān

焘 dào

Practice Writing 照 (zhào)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 照 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 照

What does 照 (zhào) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 照 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 照 and 烹?

What mistakes do learners make writing 照?

What common words use 照?

How to Write 照 (zhào)