jiǎo / jué: 角 - Corner, Angle, Horn; Role

Keywords: jiao, jue, 角, Chinese corner, Chinese angle, Chinese horn, Chinese money, Chinese role, jiaozi, character, role, actor, protagonist, measure word, unit of currency, 10 cents, yuan, mao, learning Chinese character.

Summary: The Chinese character 角 is a versatile and fundamental word with two distinct pronunciations and meanings. As jiǎo, it most commonly refers to a “corner,” “angle,” or “horn,” and is also a formal unit of currency (like a dime, one-tenth of a Yuan). As jué, it shifts meaning completely to signify a “role” or “character” in a performance, like an actor's part. Understanding both `jiǎo` and `jué` is key to unlocking a wide range of vocabulary from everyday objects and money to film and theater.

Pinyin (with tone marks): jiǎo (3rd tone) / jué (2nd tone)

Part of Speech: Noun, Measure Word

HSK Level: HSK 2 (for the `jiǎo` pronunciation)

Concise Definition: A “corner,” “angle,” or “horn” (as `jiǎo`); a “role” in a performance (as `jué`).

In a Nutshell: Think of 角 as a character based on a pointy shape. This simple image gives us the primary meaning, `jiǎo`: the sharp corner of a table, a geometric angle, or an animal's horn. This idea also extends to a “corner” of currency—a small unit of money. The second pronunciation, `jué`, is completely different and is used in words related to roles in plays, movies, or even life, like “protagonist” (`主角`).

角: This is a pictograph, one of the oldest types of Chinese characters. The character is a simplified drawing of an animal's horn. You can still see the pointy tip and the base. All the meanings related to `jiǎo` (corner, angle) are extensions of this original “pointy horn” image.

Dumplings (饺子 - jiǎozi): One of China's most famous foods is directly linked to 角. The name `饺子` is thought to have originated from `角子 (jiǎozi)`, meaning “horn-shaped things,” because their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency (sycee) or a horn. Eating them during the Chinese New Year is a tradition symbolizing wealth and togetherness.

Currency (`角` vs. `毛`): In modern China, you'll see prices like 5.50元. The “.5” is formally read as `五角 (wǔ jiǎo)`. However, in everyday spoken Mandarin, people almost always say `五毛 (wǔ máo)`. Using `角 (jiǎo)` in conversation is grammatically correct but sounds a bit formal or old-fashioned, much like saying “one dime” instead of “ten cents” in the US.

Roles (`角色 - juésè`): While Western culture focuses on an individual's unique personality, traditional Chinese culture sometimes places more emphasis on fulfilling one's social role properly (e.g., as a son, a student, an employee). The term `角色 (juésè)` captures this idea of a part to be played, whether on stage or in society. In Chinese opera, character roles are highly defined archetypes, a concept that subtly influences the cultural understanding of `juésè`.

Pronunciation is Everything: The most common mistake is mixing up the pronunciations. Remember this rule: If it refers to a physical shape (corner, horn, angle) or money, it's jiǎo. If it refers to a character in a story or a role, it's jué. You can't say `zhǔjiǎo` for “protagonist.”

`角 (jiǎo)` vs. `毛 (máo)`: Don't use `角 (jiǎo)` when paying for a snack at a convenience store. While technically correct, you'll sound like you're reading from a textbook. Use `毛 (máo)`. For example, say `qī máo` (70 cents), not `qī jiǎo`.

False Friend: “Character”: In English, “character” can mean a role in a play OR a person's moral qualities. 角 (jué) only means the first one. To say “He has a good character,” you would say `他人品很好 (tā rénpǐn hěn hǎo)` or `他性格很好 (tā xìnggé hěn hǎo)`, not `他有一个好主角 (tā yǒu yí ge hǎo zhǔjué)`.

角色 (juésè) - The most common word for “role” or “character,” using the `jué` pronunciation.

主角 (zhǔjué) - Protagonist, or “main role.”

角落 (jiǎoluò) - A nook, a corner (emphasizes a more secluded or out-of-the-way space than just `角`).

毛 (máo) - The colloquial, everyday term for `角` as a unit of currency (0.1 Yuan).

元 (yuán) - The main unit of Chinese currency (RMB). `1 元 = 10 角`.

饺子 (jiǎozi) - Dumplings; a culturally significant food whose name is derived from `角`.

角度 (jiǎodù) - Angle, degree; also used metaphorically to mean “perspective” or “point of view.”

三角形 (sānjiǎoxíng) - The word for “triangle.”

演员 (yǎnyuán) - Actor/actress; the person who plays a `角色`.

街角 (jiējiǎo) - Street corner.