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孙子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
孙子sūnzǐSun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐ>孙武[Sūn Wǔ] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐ>孙子兵法[Sūn zǐ Bīng fǎ], one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐ>武经七书[Wǔ jīng Qī shū]HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐgrandsonHSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐson's sonHSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzǐSun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武|孙武[Sun1 Wu3] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[Sun1 zi3 Bing1 fa3], oHSK 4, unknown, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnziSun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzi>孙武[Sūn Wǔ] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzi>孙子兵法[Sūn zǐ Bīng fǎ], one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China 武經七書HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzi>武经七书[Wǔ jīng Qī shū]HSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzigrandsonHSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnzison's sonHSK 4, nr, rank #3773, Medium
孙子sūnziSun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武|孙武[Sun1 Wu3] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法|孙子兵法[Sun1 zi3 Bing1 fa3], oHSK 4, unknown, rank #3773, Medium
sūnzi(sun1zi5)
primary
 T1
  1. 1Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武
  2. 2>孙武[Sūn Wǔ] (c. 500 BC, dates of birth and death uncertain), general, strategist and philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period (700-475 BC), believed to be the author of the “Art of War” 孫子兵法
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March 24, 2026
孙子(孫子)sūnzi(sun1zi5)

孙子 (Sūn zǐ) refers to Sun Tzu, a legendary military strategist and philosopher known for authoring 'The Art of War.' The term can also mean 'grandson,' highlighting familial relationships. In both contexts, it reflects wisdom, strategy, and the importance of lineage in Chinese culture.

Frequency#3773DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

孙子 is deeply embedded in Chinese military culture, with 'The Art of War' influencing not only military strategy but also business tactics and personal development. His teachings are still studied in military academies and by leaders worldwide.

Memory Tip

Think of 孙 (sūn) as a sun shining down on a little child (子, zǐ), showing the light of wisdom. Imagine the sun casting a shadow that represents the ideas of strategy and warfare that Sun Tzu brought to light in his teachings.

Meanings of 孙子

sūnzi(sun1zi5)
primary
1Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu 孫武
2grandson
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About 孙子

孙子Simplified
孫子Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3773Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 孙子

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Podcast: 孙子

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AI Study Notes for 孙子

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 孙 (sūn) as a sun shining down on a little child (子, zǐ), showing the light of wisdom. Imagine the sun casting a shadow that represents the ideas of strategy and warfare that Sun Tzu brought to light in his teachings.

Usage Notes

When referring to Sun Tzu, ensure the context is clear, as 孙子 may also mean 'grandson.' Learners often confuse the pronunciation of 孙 (sūn) with 其他 (qítā); focus on the first tone of 孙 and the third tone of 子. This word is generally used in formal discussions about philosophy or military strategy.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 孙子 connects to terms related to family and history. Students should focus on its dual meanings and practice distinguishing between the historical figure and the familial context in different sentences.

Cultural Note

孙子 is deeply embedded in Chinese military culture, with 'The Art of War' influencing not only military strategy but also business tactics and personal development. His teachings are still studied in military academies and by leaders worldwide.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 孙子 with 孙女 (sūn nǚ), which means 'granddaughter.' Additionally, some forget the tone differences, pronouncing it as 'sun zi' instead of 'sūn zǐ.' Correct pronunciation is crucial for meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 孙子

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Component Characters

孙Sūngrandson
6 strokes子
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
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Write 孙子

孙
子

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Grammar Patterns of 孙子

孙子 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 5

Complete the Sentence

你不准打我的____孙女，明白吗？

You do not hit my grandchildren, do you understand?

Example Sentences for 孙子 (10)

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1
你不准打我的孙子孙女，明白吗？

nǐ bù zhǔn dǎ wǒ de sūn zǐ sūn nǚ， ， míng bái？

You do not hit my grandchildren, do you understand?
2
他完全是出于对两个孙子的关心才继续这样做。

tā wán quán shì chū yú duì liǎng gè sūn zǐ de guān xīn cái jì xù zhè yàng zuò。

He had only gone along out of concern for his two grandsons.
3
阿丑跟你们阿凶不是一样的方家孙子.

ā chǒu gēn nǐ mén ā xiōng bù shì yī yàng de fāng jiā sūn zǐ.

Aren't Ah Ch'ou and your Ah Hsiung both Fang grandsons?
4
爷爷疼孙子.

yé yé téng sūn zǐ.

Grandpa dotes on his grandson.
5
他还对春月未能给她生个孙子而常常长吁短叹.

tā huán duì chūn yuè wèi néng gěi tā shēng gè sūn zǐ ér cháng cháng cháng xū duǎn tàn.

He also dwelt on the failure of Spring Moon to give her a grandson.
6
她快抱孙子了.

tā kuài bào sūn zǐ le.

She'll soon be a grandmother.
7
她催孙子把这段费解的话连续读了三遍.

tā cuī sūn zǐ bǎ zhè duàn fèi jiě de huà lián xù dú le sān biàn.

She forced her grandson to read the strange concept three times.
8
孙子小心翼翼地扶着爷爷.

sūn zǐ xiǎo xīn yì yì dì fú zháo yé yé.

The grandson gave his grandfather his arm and carefully supported him.
9
老人在他的孙子挽扶下蹒跚而行.

lǎo rén zài tā de sūn zǐ wǎn fú xià pán shān ér háng.

The old man hobbled along with the help of his grandson.
10
老人由孙子扶着进了房间.

lǎo rén yóu sūn zǐ fú zháo jìn le fáng jiān.

The old man entered the room supported by his grandson.

Cultural Notes for 孙子

🏮Cultural insight

孙子 is deeply embedded in Chinese military culture, with 'The Art of War' influencing not only military strategy but also business tactics and personal development. His teachings are still studied in military academies and by leaders worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about 孙子

孙子 is considered one of the most important figures in military strategy, with his principles still relevant in various fields today.