巧

• Pinyin: qiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 巧 = 工 (work/craft) + 丂 (phonetic), suggesting skilled handiwork

Meaning

Clever; skilful; coincidental. Describes dexterity, ingenuity, or a happy coincidence.

Has two main uses: (1) skilful or clever with one's hands or mind (手巧 = deft hands, 巧妙 = ingenious); (2) coincidental or just-right timing (真巧 = what a coincidence, 碰巧 = happen to). Very common in casual speech. The coincidence meaning is especially frequent in social situations.

Examples

1. 真巧，我们竟然坐同一班飞机！ What a coincidence — we're on the same flight!
2. 她的手很巧，做的手工特别漂亮。 She's very deft with her hands — her handicrafts are really beautiful.
3. 这个设计太巧妙了，我非常佩服。 This design is so ingenious — I really admire it.

Usage Guide

Context: coincidences, compliments, craftsmanship

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 太巧了，我刚才也在想这件事！(What a coincidence — I was just thinking about the same thing!)
• 她心灵手巧，什么都会做。(She's clever and deft — she can make anything.)

Don't Say

• 你真巧！(Saying 你真巧 on its own is ambiguous — it could mean 'you're so skilful' or 'what a coincidence you are,' which doesn't make sense. Be specific: 你手真巧 or 真巧啊.)

Origin & History

巧 contains 工 (work/craft) and 丂 (phonetic). The original meaning relates to skilled craftsmanship — work done with such finesse that it seems to come together perfectly, like a fortunate coincidence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal