adjective HSK 6
Traditional 妖嬈
yāo ráo
enchanting · bewitching · seductive · alluring

Meaning

妖娆 describes someone or something that is captivatingly beautiful in a seductive or alluring way, often with overtones of temptation or mystery. It is commonly used to describe feminine beauty, graceful movements, or enchanting scenery that captivates the observer. The term carries a somewhat literary or poetic flavor and suggests an almost supernatural charm.

Usage

This word is primarily used in literary, poetic, or formal contexts rather than everyday speech. It most commonly describes women's beauty or graceful demeanor, particularly when referring to dancing, posture, or overall appearance. Native speakers also use it to describe enchanting natural scenery, especially landscapes that appear mysteriously beautiful. The term can occasionally carry slightly negative connotations suggesting excessive seductiveness.

Examples

  1. 01
    她的舞姿妖娆动人,吸引了所有观众的目光。
    de yāo ráo dòng rén, yǐn le suǒ yǒu guān zhòng de guāng.
    Her enchanting dance moves captivated the attention of all the audience members.
  2. 02
    江山如此多娇,引无数英雄竞折腰。
    Jiāng shān duō jiāo, yǐn shù yīng xióng jìng zhé yāo.
    This beautiful land is so enchanting that countless heroes bow down before it.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 妖娆多姿
    yāo ráo duō
    enchanting and graceful
  • 妖娆的舞姿
    yāo ráo de
    seductive dance moves
  • 妖娆妩媚
    yāo ráo mèi
    enchantingly charming
  • 风光妖娆
    fēng guāng yāo ráo
    enchanting scenery

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to captivating beauty. 妖 originally referred to supernatural beings or demons, but developed meanings related to bewitching charm. 娆 (with the female radical 女) specifically denotes feminine grace and charm.

Related