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March 24, 2026
广告(廣告)guǎnggào(guang3gao4)
广告 (guǎnggào) refers to an advertisement or commercial, typically used to promote products, services, or events. It is commonly found in media such as television, print, and online platforms. The term conveys not only the act of advertising but also the actual content that is being promoted.
Frequency#1226DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In China, advertisements often reflect the culture's emphasis on consumerism and modernity, with a significant presence during major festivals and events, showcasing both traditional and contemporary values.
Memory Tip
Think of 广 (guǎng), which means 'wide' or 'broad', and imagine a wide billboard displaying various 广告 (guǎnggào) across a bustling city street. The sound 'gào' resembles 'go', as in 'go and see the ads'. This image of wide-reaching advertisements helps remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
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AI Study Notes for 广告
Quick Contrast
宣传 (xuānchuán) - use 广告 when referring specifically to paid advertisements, while 宣传 is broader and includes promotional activities that may not involve payment.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 广 (guǎng), which means 'wide' or 'broad', and imagine a wide billboard displaying various 广告 (guǎnggào) across a bustling city street. The sound 'gào' resembles 'go', as in 'go and see the ads'. This image of wide-reaching advertisements helps remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 广告 is a noun and is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with the verb 'advertise', which is 广告的 (guǎnggào de). It is frequently paired with words like '品牌' (pǐnpái - brand) and '电视' (diànshì - television).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 广告 connects to other vocabulary related to media and commerce, such as '市场' (shìchǎng - market) and '销售' (xiāoshòu - sales). Focus on using it in sentences to practice contextually relevant phrases.
Cultural Note
In China, advertisements often reflect the culture's emphasis on consumerism and modernity, with a significant presence during major festivals and events, showcasing both traditional and contemporary values.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 广告 as a verb, saying '我广告这个产品' (wǒ guǎnggào zhège chǎnpǐn) instead of '我为这个产品做广告' (wǒ wèi zhège chǎnpǐn zuò guǎnggào) which means 'I advertise this product'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 广告
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Grammar Patterns of 广告
广告 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 4 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.
Television programmes are essentially bait to attract an audience for advertisements.
Cultural Notes for 广告
🏮Cultural insight
In China, advertisements often reflect the culture's emphasis on consumerism and modernity, with a significant presence during major festivals and events, showcasing both traditional and contemporary values.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While advertising in Western cultures often focuses on individualism and personal benefit, Chinese advertisements frequently highlight community values and collective benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 广告
广告 specifically refers to advertisements, while 宣传 encompasses broader promotion, including public relations and information dissemination.
Yes, 广告 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as business meetings or casual conversations.
You can say '我看到一个很有趣的广告' (wǒ kàn dào yī gè hěn yǒuqù de guǎnggào), meaning 'I saw a very interesting advertisement'.
