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March 24, 2026
子弹(子彈)zǐdàn(zi3dan4)
子弹 (zǐ dàn) refers to a bullet, specifically the projectile used in firearms. It is commonly used in contexts related to military, law enforcement, or discussions about weaponry. When discussing ammunition, it's important to know that 子弹 is often paired with terms like 枪 (qiāng) for gun or 弹药 (dàn yào) for ammunition.
Frequency#1173DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about firearms and bullets can evoke historical references, particularly to wars and conflicts in Chinese history. The term 子弹 may arise in literature or cinema that deals with themes of conflict, military strategy, or heroism.
Memory Tip
Think of 子 (zǐ) as a child and 弹 (dàn) as a bouncing ball. Imagine a child playing with toy guns, shooting colorful bouncy balls that represent bullets. The character 子 gives a sense of something small (like a child), and 弹 suggests something that can spring or shoot.
Meanings of 子弹
zǐdàn(zi3dan4)
1bullet
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 子弹
子弹Simplified
子彈Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1173Frequency Rank
粒Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 子弹
Podcast: 子弹
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AI Study Notes for 子弹
Quick Contrast
弹药 (dàn yào) refers to ammunition in general, while 子弹 specifically denotes bullets, the projectiles used in firearms.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 子 (zǐ) as a child and 弹 (dàn) as a bouncing ball. Imagine a child playing with toy guns, shooting colorful bouncy balls that represent bullets. The character 子 gives a sense of something small (like a child), and 弹 suggests something that can spring or shoot.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 子弹 with other terms related to weapons, such as 武器 (wǔ qì) for weapons or 弹药 (dàn yào) for ammunition. 子弹 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual settings. Remember that the measure word for bullets is 粒 (lì) or 颗 (kē).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 子弹 connects to various military and technical vocabulary. Students should focus on using it in context with related terms like 枪 (gun) and 弹药 (ammunition) to enhance understanding. Practicing sentences that describe scenarios involving bullets will help solidify its usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussions about firearms and bullets can evoke historical references, particularly to wars and conflicts in Chinese history. The term 子弹 may arise in literature or cinema that deals with themes of conflict, military strategy, or heroism.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use the wrong measure word, such as using 个 (gè) instead of 粒 (lì) or 颗 (kē) when referring to 子弹. Correct usage would be '两粒子弹' (liǎng lì zǐ dàn) for 'two bullets'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 子弹
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Grammar Patterns of 子弹
子弹 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 3 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
____砰地射进了天花板，掉落的石膏碎片落了他们一身。
The bullet slammed into the ceiling, spraying them with bits of plaster.
Example Sentences for 子弹 (10)
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1
子弹砰地射进了天花板，掉落的石膏碎片落了他们一身。
zǐ dàn pēng dì shè jìn le tiān huā bǎn， ， diào luò de shí gāo suì piàn luò le tā mén yī。
The bullet slammed into the ceiling, spraying them with bits of plaster.
2
持枪歹徒朝天扫射了一排子弹。
chí qiāng dǎi tú zhāo tiān sǎo shè le yī pái zǐ dàn。
A gunman fired off a volley of shots into the air.
3
子弹在离安德烈亚的心脏不到一英寸的地方穿过。
zǐ dàn zài lí ān dé liè yà de xīn zāng bù dào yī yīng cùn de dì fāng chuān guò。
The bullet had passed less than an inch from Andrea's heart.
4
墙上仍然有她的子弹留下的凹坑。
qiáng shàng réng rán yǒu tā de zǐ dàn liú xià de āo kēng。
The pockmarks made by her bullets are still on the wall.
5
她以最快的速度再次给枪装上子弹。
tā yǐ zuì kuài de sù dù zài cì gěi qiāng zhuāng shàng zǐ dàn。
She reloaded the gun as quickly as she could.
6
子弹嵌进了中士的腿里，使其股骨碎裂。
zǐ dàn qiàn jìn le zhōng shì de tuǐ lǐ， ， shǐ qí gǔ gǔ suì。
The bullet lodged in the sergeant's leg, shattering his thigh bone.
7
一名男子向他们射出了一排子弹。
yī míng nán zǐ xiàng tā mén shè chū le yī pái zǐ dàn。
nà gè zá jì yǎn yuán cóng dì miàn shàng yī xià zǐ dàn tiào dé lǎo gāo.
The acrobat bounced high from the ground.
Cultural Notes for 子弹
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, discussions about firearms and bullets can evoke historical references, particularly to wars and conflicts in Chinese history. The term 子弹 may arise in literature or cinema that deals with themes of conflict, military strategy, or heroism.
Frequently Asked Questions about 子弹
The measure word for 子弹 is 粒 (lì) or 颗 (kē), which is used to quantify bullets.
While primarily associated with firearms, 子弹 can metaphorically describe intense situations, but it's more common in military discussions.
子弹 is pronounced as zǐ dàn, with the first syllable having a third tone and the second syllable having a fourth tone.
