Meaning
巧妙 describes something that is cleverly designed, skillfully executed, or ingeniously conceived. It emphasizes the quality of being both smart and elegant in approach, often used to praise solutions, methods, designs, or responses that solve problems in an unexpectedly effective way.
Usage
Commonly used in written and formal contexts to describe methods, designs, answers, or arrangements that show intelligence and creativity. Often appears in phrases like 巧妙地 (qiǎo miào de, cleverly/skillfully) as an adverb. Native speakers use it to express admiration for something that is not just effective, but shows finesse and thoughtfulness.
Examples
- 01他用一个巧妙的方法解决了这个难题。.He solved this difficult problem using an ingenious method.
- 02这个设计非常巧妙，既美观又实用。, .This design is very clever—both beautiful and practical.
Characters
Common collocations
- 巧妙地cleverly, skillfully (adverb)
- 巧妙的设计ingenious design
- 巧妙的方法clever method
- 巧妙地解决to cleverly resolve
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to skillfulness and cleverness. 巧 originally depicted a craftsman's skill, while 妙 combines the 'woman' radical with 'small/young', possibly suggesting delicate or refined excellence. Together they create an intensified meaning of clever excellence.