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March 24, 2026
肩膀jiānbǎng(jian1bang3)
肩膀 (jiān bǎng) refers to the shoulder, which is the joint connecting the arm to the torso. It is often used in both anatomical and metaphorical contexts, such as expressing support or burden-sharing, as in 'shouldering a responsibility'.
Frequency#3180DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the shoulder is often seen as a symbol of support; phrases like '肩负责任' (shoulder responsibility) are common, highlighting the importance of bearing one's duties.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, heavy shoulder bag (膀) that you carry on your shoulder (肩). The sound 'jian' resembles 'jean', so picture wearing a pair of jeans while carrying this heavy bag on your shoulder to remember '肩膀'.
Meanings of 肩膀
jiānbǎng(jian1bang3)
1shoulder
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About 肩膀
肩膀Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3180Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 肩膀
Podcast: 肩膀
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AI Study Notes for 肩膀
Quick Contrast
肩 (jiān, shoulder) vs 肩膀 (jiānbǎng, shoulder) — use 肩膀 for the anatomical term; 肩 is more abstract or poetic.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, heavy shoulder bag (膀) that you carry on your shoulder (肩). The sound 'jian' resembles 'jean', so picture wearing a pair of jeans while carrying this heavy bag on your shoulder to remember '肩膀'.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 肩膀 with other body parts like 背 (bèi, back) or 手 (shǒu, hand). This term is generally informal, used in everyday conversation. Ensure you use the correct tone; '肩' (jiān) is first tone, and '膀' (bǎng) is third tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 肩膀 connects with other body-related terms. Focus on memorizing its pronunciation and meaning, as well as practicing sentences that describe actions involving the shoulders.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the shoulder is often seen as a symbol of support; phrases like '肩负责任' (shoulder responsibility) are common, highlighting the importance of bearing one's duties.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肩膀 with the word for 'back' (背, bèi). For example, saying '我背膀疼' instead of '我肩膀疼' is incorrect. Always remember 肩膀 specifically refers to the shoulder.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肩膀
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Grammar Patterns of 肩膀
肩膀 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). 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
他被一颗跳弹打伤了____。
He was wounded in the shoulder by a ricochet.
Example Sentences for 肩膀 (10)
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1
他被一颗跳弹打伤了肩膀。
tā bèi yī kē tiào dàn dǎ shāng le jiān bǎng。
He was wounded in the shoulder by a ricochet.
2
图尔金拍拍他的肩膀。“不好意思打断您一下，上校。”
tú ěr jīn pāi pāi tā de jiān bǎng。“ 。“ bù hǎo yì sī dǎ duàn nín yī， xià ，。”
Turkin tapped him on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt, Colonel."
3
他试图爬走时肩膀中枪了。
tā shì tú pá zǒu shí jiān bǎng zhōng qiāng le。
As he tried to crawl away, he was hit in the shoulder.
4
人群将拿着旗子的人举过肩膀。
rén qún jiāng ná zháo qí zǐ de rén jǔ guò jiān bǎng。
The crowd lifted the man with the flag shoulder-high.
5
她将自己睡袍的吊带拉到肩膀上。
tā jiāng zì jǐ shuì páo de diào dài lā dào jiān bǎng shàng。
She pulled the strap of her nightgown onto her shoulder.
6
她的耳朵、肩膀和髋部呈一条直线。
tā de ěr duǒ、 、 jiān bǎng hé kuān bù chéng yī tiáo zhí。
Her ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.
7
他将手从她的肩膀上拿开。
tā jiāng shǒu cóng tā de jiān bǎng shàng ná kāi。
He removed his hand from her shoulder.
8
他用肩膀挤开别人,走到前面.
tā yòng jiān bǎng jǐ kāi bié rén, , zǒu dào qián.
He shouldered his way to the front, shouldering others aside.
tā yòng jiān bǎng dǎng kāi rén mén, , rán hòu jiù shàng le gōng gòng qì.
He shouldered off the people and got on the bus.
Cultural Notes for 肩膀
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the shoulder is often seen as a symbol of support; phrases like '肩负责任' (shoulder responsibility) are common, highlighting the importance of bearing one's duties.
Frequently Asked Questions about 肩膀
You would say '我肩膀疼' (wǒ jiān bǎng téng).
It is more common in informal contexts and conversation; for formal writing, you might encounter anatomical terms.
Yes, 肩膀 can refer to either shoulder, but you can specify left (左肩) or right (右肩) if needed.
