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管子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
管子guǎnzǐGuanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國HSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐ>齐国 of Spring and Autumn periodHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐGuanzi, classical book containing writings of Guan Zhong and his schoolHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐtubeHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐpipeHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐdrinking strawHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzǐGuanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國|齐国 of Spring and Autumn periodHSK 7, unknown, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnziGuanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國HSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzi>齐国 of Spring and Autumn periodHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnziGuanzi, classical book containing writings of Guan Zhong and his schoolHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzitubeHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzipipeHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnzidrinking strawHSK 7, n, rank #5052, Hard
管子guǎnziGuanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國|齐国 of Spring and Autumn periodHSK 7, unknown, rank #5052, Hard
guǎnzǐ(Guan3zi3)
primary
 T3
  1. 1Guanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國
  2. 2>齐国 of Spring and Autumn period
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
管子guǎnzǐ(Guan3zi3)

管子 (Guanzi) refers to both a historical figure, Guan Zhong, who was a prominent politician in the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn period, and a classical text attributed to him. The term can also mean a tube or pipe, commonly used in contexts involving physical conduits or drinking straws.

Frequency#5052DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

Guan Zhong is celebrated in Chinese culture for his contributions to political philosophy and governance. His strategies and ideas are often referenced in discussions about effective leadership and statecraft, reflecting the enduring influence of his thoughts in modern China.

Memory Tip

Imagine a wise old man (Guan Zhong) holding a long pipe, symbolizing both his historical significance and the physical meaning of '管子'. The character '管' can be associated with the idea of 'control' or 'manage', suggesting how Guan Zhong managed the state, while '子' signifies a person, like a master or teacher.

Meanings of 管子

guǎnzǐ(Guan3zi3)
primary
1Guanzi or Guan Zhong 管仲 (-645 BC), famous politician of Qi 齊國
2Guanzi, classical book containing writings of Guan Zhong and his school
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 管子

管子Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5052Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 管子

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Podcast: 管子

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AI Study Notes for 管子

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a wise old man (Guan Zhong) holding a long pipe, symbolizing both his historical significance and the physical meaning of '管子'. The character '管' can be associated with the idea of 'control' or 'manage', suggesting how Guan Zhong managed the state, while '子' signifies a person, like a master or teacher.

Usage Notes

When using '管子' in conversation, be mindful of the context to avoid confusion between the historical figure and the physical object. In written form, it's common to specify which meaning is intended, especially in academic discussions. The tone of '管子' is neutral, but ensure correct pronunciation to avoid miscommunication.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 5, students are expected to familiarize themselves with historical figures and classical texts. Focus on understanding the significance of Guan Zhong in Chinese history and the philosophical concepts in the writings attributed to him, as well as the different meanings of '管子'.

Cultural Note

Guan Zhong is celebrated in Chinese culture for his contributions to political philosophy and governance. His strategies and ideas are often referenced in discussions about effective leadership and statecraft, reflecting the enduring influence of his thoughts in modern China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '管子' as solely referring to the historical figure without realizing it can also mean a physical tube. For example, saying '我读管子' (I read Guanzi) without context can lead to confusion; clarify if you mean the text or the person.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 管子

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Component Characters

管guǎnto take care (of)
HSK 414 strokes⺮
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子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
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Write 管子

管
子

Practice writing 管子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 管子

管子 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 4

Complete the Sentence

他已把洗衣机的各种____都接好了。

He had a washing machine plumbed in.

Example Sentences for 管子 (7)

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1
他已把洗衣机的各种管子都接好了。

tā yǐ bǎ xǐ yī jī de gè zhǒng guǎn zǐ dū jiē hǎo le。

He had a washing machine plumbed in.
2
二次电流在管子内部会产生磁场。

èr cì diàn liú zài guǎn zǐ nèi bù huì chǎn shēng cí cháng。

The secondary current sets up a magnetic field inside the tube.
3
大水桶盛接管子里流出的东西.

dà shuǐ tǒng shèng jiē guǎn zǐ lǐ liú chū de dōng xī.

The water butt catches the overflow from this pipe.
4
咱们把这两根管子接起来拧紧.

zán mén bǎ zhè liǎng gēn guǎn zǐ jiē qǐ lái níng jǐn.

Let's screw the two pipes together end to end.
5
将一段管子与相邻的管子连接起来。

jiāng yī duàn guǎn zǐ yǔ xiāng lín de guǎn zǐ lián jiē qǐ lái。

Join one section of pipe to the next.
6
这管子内径宽十英尺.

zhè guǎn zǐ nèi jìng kuān shí yīng chǐ.

The tube is ten feet wide in the clear.
7
我的手伸不进那管子,它太细了.

wǒ de shǒu shēn bù jìn nà guǎn zǐ, , tā tài xì.

I can't reach into the pipe — it's too narrow.

Cultural Notes for 管子

🏮Cultural insight

Guan Zhong is celebrated in Chinese culture for his contributions to political philosophy and governance. His strategies and ideas are often referenced in discussions about effective leadership and statecraft, reflecting the enduring influence of his thoughts in modern China.

Frequently Asked Questions about 管子

'管子' can refer to the historical figure Guan Zhong, his classical writings, or simply a pipe or tube, depending on the context.