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强 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
qiángstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiáng>强[jiàng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiáng>百强[bǎi qiáng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiáng>强[qiǎng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiángbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàng>强[jiàng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàng>百强[bǎi qiáng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàng>强[qiǎng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎng>强[jiàng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎng>百强[bǎi qiáng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎng>强[qiǎng]HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
qiǎngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàng(jiang4)
primary
T4
  1. 1stubborn
  2. 2unyielding
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(強)jiàng(jiang4)

The character 强 (jiàng) conveys the meaning of being strong, powerful, or vigorous. It can also imply stubbornness or an unyielding nature. In various contexts, it can refer to physical strength, mental resilience, or a compelling force, making it versatile in both casual and formal language.

Strokes12RadicalFrequency#669DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being 强 (strong) is often associated with resilience and perseverance, qualities highly valued in both personal and societal contexts. For instance, the phrase 百强 (bǎi qiáng) refers to the top 100 companies in various fields, signifying excellence.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant (强) flexing their muscles to show off their strength. The character has a strong 'qiáng' sound, similar to the English 'strong,' helping you remember its meaning. Picture the giant being stubborn and refusing to back down, reinforcing the idea of unyielding strength.

Meanings of 强

jiàng(jiang4)
primary
1stubborn
2unyielding
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 强

Simplified
Traditional
12Strokes
Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#669Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 强

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 强

Quick Contrast

强 (jiàng) vs 劲 (jìn) — use 强 for general strength or power, while 劲 is more about intensity or force in a specific context.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant (强) flexing their muscles to show off their strength. The character has a strong 'qiáng' sound, similar to the English 'strong,' helping you remember its meaning. Picture the giant being stubborn and refusing to back down, reinforcing the idea of unyielding strength.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 强 (jiàng) with its homophone 强 (qiáng), which has different meanings and usages. Use 强 (jiàng) in contexts that emphasize effort or strength, while 强 (qiáng) is more about physical strength or dominance. Be careful with the tone, as it can change the meaning drastically.

HSK Study Tips

While 强 (jiàng) is not officially part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates closely to other words at higher levels that describe strength, effort, and determination. Students should focus on the different usages of the word in various contexts, especially in adjectives and verbs.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being 强 (strong) is often associated with resilience and perseverance, qualities highly valued in both personal and societal contexts. For instance, the phrase 百强 (bǎi qiáng) refers to the top 100 companies in various fields, signifying excellence.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse the tones and use 强 (qiáng) when they mean 强 (jiàng), leading to miscommunication. For instance, saying '他很强' (tā hěn qiáng) instead of '他很强' (tā hěn jiàng) can imply he is just strong rather than emphasizing his determination.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 强

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Etymology of 强

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 強. Origin unclear.

Memory Hint

bow

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 强?

Decomposition of 强

IDS Structure⿰弓虽
Full Character
=
Gong1
left
sui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 强?

Write 强

Practice writing 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 强

强 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高,not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 19 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 2

Complete the Sentence

老师一再____调这个语法点。

The teacher repeatedly emphasized this grammar point.

Common Confusions with 强

vs
qiǎng

Similar pronunciation but different meaning.

vs
qiáng

Similar pronunciation but different meaning.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "stubborn"?

or

Example Sentences for 强 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的坚强力量时,你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。

dāng nǐ cóng nèi xīn shēn chǔ zhǎo dào yī zhǒng kě yǐ rěn shòu yī qiē tòng kǔ de jiān qiáng lì liáng shí, , nǐ de chéng cháng lì chéng jiù huì chū xiàn fēi。

The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
2
他们强烈感受到他们的宗教信仰与政治体制不相称。

tā mén qiáng liè gǎn shòu dào tā mén de zōng jiào xìn yǎng yǔ zhèng zhì tǐ zhì bù xiāng chēng。

They feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system.
3
“他强迫你做的?”她的语气里带着怀疑。

“ “ tā qiáng pò nǐ zuò?” de ?” tā de yǔ qì lǐ dài zháo。

"He made you do it?" Her voice was incredulous.
4
正如1892年剧本的副标题所强调的,《凯瑟琳》是一部“爱尔兰戏剧”。

zhèng rú1892 1892 nián jù běn de fù biāo tí suǒ qiáng tiáo,《 de ,《 kǎi》 sè lín 》“ shì yī bù “ ài”。

"Kathleen" was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, "An Irish Drama".
5
遗憾的是,过于简单的情节使得这部电影差强人意。

yí hàn de shì, , guò yú jiǎn dān de qíng jié shǐ dé zhè bù diàn yǐng chà qiáng rén。

Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
6
反堕胎者所作的加强法规的尝试失败了。

fǎn duò tāi zhě suǒ zuò de jiā qiáng fǎ guī de cháng shì shī bài le。

An attempt by anti-abortionists to tighten the rules was defeated.
7
利率有望早日下调,从而增强了人们的信心。

lì shuài yǒu wàng zǎo rì xià tiáo, , cóng ér zēng qiáng le rén mén de xìn。

Hopes of an early cut in interest rates bolstered confidence.
8
这个消息给电信部门注入了一针强心剂。

zhè gè xiāo xī gěi diàn xìn bù mén zhù rù le yī zhēn qiáng xīn jì。

The news gave a fillip to the telecommunications sector.
9
他强烈地感受到这件作品的美学价值。

tā qiáng liè dì gǎn shòu dào zhè jiàn zuò pǐn de měi xué jià zhí。

He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work.
10
叛军屡次尝试强攻这座建筑。

pàn jūn lǚ cì cháng shì qiáng gōng zhè zuò jiàn zhù。

The rebel soldiers tried repeatedly to storm the building.

Cultural Notes for 强

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of being 强 (strong) is often associated with resilience and perseverance, qualities highly valued in both personal and societal contexts. For instance, the phrase 百强 (bǎi qiáng) refers to the top 100 companies in various fields, signifying excellence.

Word Family of 强

Compounds12
jiang4stubborn
qiang3swaddling cloth
jiang4starch, paste; to starch
qiang1coins, money, wealth
Words Containing This Character20
jiàngstrong
加强jiāqiángto reinforce加強
强大qiángdàlarge強大
强烈qiánglièintense強烈
坚强jiānqiángstaunch堅強
强调qiángdiàoto stress強調
增强zēngqiángto increase增強
强奸to rape強姦
强迫qiǎngpòto compel強迫
强壮qiángzhuàngstrong強壯
强化qiánghuàto strengthen強化
强制qiángzhìto enforce強制
强度qiángdùstrength強度
勉强miǎnqiǎngreluctant勉強
强劲qiángjìngstrong強勁
强硬qiángyìngtough強硬
强行qiángxíngto do sth by force強行
强盗qiángdàobandit強盜
强力powerful強力
强悍valiant強悍
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 犟 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 强

Yes, 强 is used in several common phrases, such as '强壮' (qiáng zhuàng) meaning 'strong and healthy' and '强烈' (qiáng liè) meaning 'intense.' These phrases illustrate how 强 is often associated with strength and intensity in various contexts.