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象棋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
象棋xiàngqíChinese chessHSK 6, v, rank #12749, Hard
xiàngqí(xiang4qi2) T4
  1. 1Chinese chess
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
象棋xiàngqí(xiang4qi2)

象棋 (xiàngqí) refers to Chinese chess, a strategic board game that is popular in China and other East Asian countries. The game involves two players who maneuver pieces on a checkered board, aiming to capture the opponent's general (king). It is often played as a recreational activity, fostering strategic thinking and planning skills.

Frequency#12749DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

象棋 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often seen in parks where elderly people gather to play, reflecting social interactions and strategic thinking. The game has historical significance, dating back over a thousand years, and showcases elements of Chinese philosophy and warfare strategy.

Memory Tip

Imagine two elephants (象, xiàng) playing a game of chess (棋, qí) on a giant board. The elephants symbolize the game's name, where '象' (xiàng) means 'elephant' and '棋' (qí) relates to 'chess'. Picture them using their trunks to move the pieces, making the game both playful and memorable.

Meanings of 象棋

xiàngqí(xiang4qi2)
1Chinese chess
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 象棋

象棋Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12749Frequency Rank
副Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 象棋

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Podcast: 象棋

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AI Study Notes for 象棋

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine two elephants (象, xiàng) playing a game of chess (棋, qí) on a giant board. The elephants symbolize the game's name, where '象' (xiàng) means 'elephant' and '棋' (qí) relates to 'chess'. Picture them using their trunks to move the pieces, making the game both playful and memorable.

Usage Notes

While 象棋 is commonly used in informal settings, it can also appear in formal discussions about traditional games. Be careful with the tones: '象' (xiàng) has a falling tone, while '棋' (qí) has a rising tone. Common collocations include '下象棋' (to play Chinese chess) and '象棋比赛' (Chinese chess competition).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 象棋 expands on students' vocabulary related to games and leisure activities. Students should focus on recognizing the radicals: 豕 (shǐ) for 'elephant' and 棋 (qí) for 'chess' to connect with similar words about games.

Cultural Note

象棋 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often seen in parks where elderly people gather to play, reflecting social interactions and strategic thinking. The game has historical significance, dating back over a thousand years, and showcases elements of Chinese philosophy and warfare strategy.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 象棋 with 国际象棋 (international chess), using them interchangeably. Remember that 象棋 specifically refers to the Chinese version, while 国际象棋 refers to the Western variant.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 象棋

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Component Characters

象xiàngelephant
HSK 611 strokes豕
View full entry
棋qíchess; any strategy game
HSK 712 strokes木
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Write 象棋

象
棋

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

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Grammar Patterns of 象棋

象棋 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. 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

有个犯人刻了一副漂亮的木头____。

One of the prisoners has carved a beautiful wooden chess set.

Example Sentences for 象棋 (4)

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1
有个犯人刻了一副漂亮的木头象棋。

yǒu gè fàn rén kè le yī fù piāo liàng de mù tóu xiàng qí。

One of the prisoners has carved a beautiful wooden chess set.
2
国际象棋大师们以性格怪异和好与人争辩而闻名。

guó jì xiàng qí dà shī mén yǐ xìng gé guài yì hé hǎo yǔ rén zhēng biàn ér wén míng。

Great chess players have a reputation for being both eccentric and argumentative.
3
我象棋下不赢他.

wǒ xiàng qí xià bù yíng tā.

I can't beat him at Chinese chess.
4
加雷·卡斯帕罗夫卫冕了他国际象棋世界冠军的称号。

jiā léi· · kǎ sī pà luó fū wèi miǎn le tā guó jì xiàng qí shì jiè guān jūn de chēng。

Gary Kasparov has retained his title as world chess champion.

Cultural Notes for 象棋

🏮Cultural insight

象棋 is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often seen in parks where elderly people gather to play, reflecting social interactions and strategic thinking. The game has historical significance, dating back over a thousand years, and showcases elements of Chinese philosophy and warfare strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions about 象棋

国际象棋 refers to international chess, which has different rules and pieces compared to traditional Chinese chess (象棋).