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March 24, 2026
城堡chéngbǎo(cheng2bao3)
城堡 (chéngbǎo) refers to a fortified structure, typically a large castle used for defense and residence. It is commonly used in historical contexts or when discussing architecture and can also refer to the rook piece in chess, symbolizing strategy and protection.
Frequency#3149DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
城堡 often evokes images of historical dynasties in China, where castles served as military strongholds. They represent power and protection, similar to how castles are perceived in Western culture, but often reflect different architectural styles and historical contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand castle (城) with strong walls and towers. The '城' resembles a wall surrounding a city, while '堡' sounds like 'bowl,' suggesting a protective bowl of safety. Together, they form a 'castle' where knights strategize in chess.
Meanings of 城堡
chéngbǎo(cheng2bao3)
1castle
2rook (chess piece)
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About 城堡
城堡Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#3149Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 城堡
Podcast: 城堡
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AI Study Notes for 城堡
Quick Contrast
宫殿 (gōngdiàn) - use 城堡 when referring to a fortified structure, while 宫殿 is specifically for royal palaces.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand castle (城) with strong walls and towers. The '城' resembles a wall surrounding a city, while '堡' sounds like 'bowl,' suggesting a protective bowl of safety. Together, they form a 'castle' where knights strategize in chess.
Usage Notes
Be mindful to use 城堡 in appropriate contexts, as it is more formal than simply saying 'house' or 'building.' Common collocations include '中世纪城堡' (medieval castle) and '历史城堡' (historical castle). Avoid confusing it with similar words like '宫殿' (palace) which refers to royal residences.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 城堡 connects to themes of history, architecture, and strategy. Students should focus on using it in descriptive sentences and understanding its application in both literal and figurative contexts, such as in literature or discussions about games.
Cultural Note
城堡 often evokes images of historical dynasties in China, where castles served as military strongholds. They represent power and protection, similar to how castles are perceived in Western culture, but often reflect different architectural styles and historical contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 城堡 with other types of buildings. For example, saying '我住在城堡' (I live in a castle) is incorrect unless it is literally true; use '我住在房子' (I live in a house) for general contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 城堡
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Grammar Patterns of 城堡
城堡 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 2 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
岛的最高处耸立着一座巨大的黑色____。
The island is surmounted by a huge black castle.
Example Sentences for 城堡 (10)
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1
岛的最高处耸立着一座巨大的黑色城堡。
dǎo de zuì gāo chǔ sǒng lì zháo yī zuò jù dà de hēi sè chéng bǎo。
城堡 often evokes images of historical dynasties in China, where castles served as military strongholds. They represent power and protection, similar to how castles are perceived in Western culture, but often reflect different architectural styles and historical contexts.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, castles are often romanticized in fairy tales, while in Chinese culture, 城堡 may not have the same mythical connotation but is a symbol of historical strength and military prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions about 城堡
城堡 refers to a castle, primarily used for defense, while 宫殿 refers to a palace, which is a royal residence.
Yes, it can metaphorically describe a place of safety or a stronghold in various contexts, such as personal or emotional security.
It is pronounced as 'chéng bǎo', with the second syllable 'bǎo' having a falling-rising tone.
