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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
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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
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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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.
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).
'我想下象棋' (wǒ xiǎng xià xiàngqí) is how you say 'I want to play Chinese chess'.
Yes, there are other strategy games like围棋 (wéiqí), known as Go, which has its own unique rules and gameplay.
