角度
jiǎodù
In Chinese, 'angle' is translated as 角度 (jiǎodù). Wiktionary also lists 角 (jiǎo).
Meaning: geometrical figure (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 角度 | jiǎodù |
| 角 | jiǎo |
The term refers to a geometrical figure. It is also used to describe a metaphorical perspective, such as 'looking at a situation from a certain angle'.
Which one should you use?
While 角 can refer to a physical corner or angle, 角度 is the standard term used when discussing both geometrical angles and metaphorical perspectives. Additionally, for specific types of angles, Chinese uses descriptive terms: 锐角 (literally 'sharp angle') for an acute angle and 钝角 (literally 'blunt angle') for an obtuse angle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the word for angle is 角 (Gok3).
How do you pronounce it?
jiǎodù
Did you know?
- The word for a stuffed dumpling, 餃 (jiǎo), is a derivative of the word for angle because of the dumpling's horn-like shape.
- While 角 means 'angle', it is also used as a measure word for a tenth of a unit of currency, the 'jiao'.
Examples in context
- 直角是九十度。A right angle has ninety degrees.This sentence illustrates a right angle.Tatoeba #1743564 by sadhen, translation #278236 by CK
- 90度的角叫直角。An angle of 90 degrees is called a right angle.This sentence describes how a 90-degree angle is named.Tatoeba #6111959 by verdastelo9604, translation #72301 by CM
- 這個角度會過於狹窄。The angle would be too narrow.This sentence uses the term for a narrow angle.Tatoeba #919890 by Martha, translation #43006 by orcrist
- 当你看到那个建筑物的角度时，你会感到惊叹。When you see the angle of that building, you will be amazed.
- 我们需要计算这个三角形的内角。We need to calculate the interior angles of this triangle.
- 这张照片的拍摄角度很好。The photography angle of this picture is great.
- 这个地方的方位与角度对我们非常重要。The position and angle of this place are significant to us.
Example conversation
Two students are looking at a geometry textbook in the library.
- 浩然 Haoran這個角度是多少度？zhège jiǎodù shì duōshǎo dù?What is this angle in degrees?
- 雨婷 Yuting我看不清楚這個角度。wǒ kàn bù qīngchǔ zhège jiǎodù.I can't see this angle clearly.
- 浩然 Haoran雨婷，妳可以幫我量一下嗎？yǔtíng, nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ liáng yīxià ma?Yuting, can you help me measure it?
- 雨婷 Yuting沒問題，浩然。méi wèntí, hàorán.No problem, Haoran.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 角, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
