Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
对手(對手)duìshǒu(dui4shou3)
对手 (duìshǒu) refers to an opponent or rival in various contexts, including sports, competitions, and even in business. It implies a sense of respect for the competitor, suggesting they are well-matched or pose a significant challenge.
Frequency#1951DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, competition is often viewed positively as a means of self-improvement and skill development. The concept of 对手 emphasizes the respect for one's rivals, reflecting the value placed on perseverance and excellence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'duel' with two hands (对手) facing off against each other, representing opponents. The '对' part resembles a pair of opposing arrows, while '手' means 'hand,' reinforcing the idea of a contest between rivals.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 对手
Quick Contrast
对手 (opponent) vs 竞争者 (competitor) — use 对手 when emphasizing a respectful rivalry, while 竞争者 focuses more on the aspect of competition without the same connotation of mutual respect.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'duel' with two hands (对手) facing off against each other, representing opponents. The '对' part resembles a pair of opposing arrows, while '手' means 'hand,' reinforcing the idea of a contest between rivals.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 对手 with the term '敌人' (dírén), which means enemy and carries a more hostile connotation. 对手 is often used in sports and competitive contexts, making it more suitable for neutral or positive references.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 对手 connects to other terms related to competition, such as 竞争 (jìngzhēng, competition) and 胜利 (shènglì, victory). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss contests, challenges, or rivalries.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, competition is often viewed positively as a means of self-improvement and skill development. The concept of 对手 emphasizes the respect for one's rivals, reflecting the value placed on perseverance and excellence.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 对手 with 朋友 (péngyǒu, friend), leading to incorrect phrases like '我和我的对手是朋友' (I and my opponent are friends) when the context is competitive. Instead, specify the context clearly to avoid misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 对手
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 对手 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 对手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 对手
对手 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
Not since 1988 had she whitewashed an opponent in her opening match.
10
他是我本赛季遇到的最出色的对手，一位了不起的运动员。
tā shì wǒ běn sài jì yù dào de zuì chū sè de duì shǒu， ， yī wèi le bù qǐ de yùn dòng。
He's the best opponent I've come across this season, a great player.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
His opponents believe he is definitely on the run.
Tap tokens to build the sentence
Cultural Notes for 对手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, competition is often viewed positively as a means of self-improvement and skill development. The concept of 对手 emphasizes the respect for one's rivals, reflecting the value placed on perseverance and excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions about 对手
Yes, 对手 can refer to competitors in the business world, highlighting the rivalry between companies.
No, 对手 does not carry a negative connotation; it often implies respect for a worthy competitor.
You can say '我的对手很强,' meaning 'My opponent is very strong.'
