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March 24, 2026
拐杖guǎizhàng(guai3zhang4)
The term 拐杖 (guǎi zhàng) refers to a walking aid used to support individuals who have difficulty walking. Commonly used in medical contexts, it can refer to crutches or any type of walking stick that provides stability and balance. This word is often encountered in discussions about health, rehabilitation, and mobility aids.
Frequency#8597DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mobility aids such as 拐杖 are often viewed with sensitivity, as they signify both physical challenges and the importance of caring for the elderly or disabled. It's common in traditional Chinese medicine to emphasize rehabilitation and support for those with mobility issues.
Memory Tip
Imagine a walking stick that has an elbow (拐) and a strong support (杖). Picture someone using this stick to navigate through a busy street, emphasizing its role in providing assistance and stability. The 'guai' part sounds like 'way' in 'away,' suggesting guidance, while 'zhang' resembles 'strong' in 'stronghold,' indicating support.
Meanings of 拐杖
guǎizhàng(guai3zhang4)
1crutches
2crutch
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About 拐杖
拐杖Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8597Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 拐杖
Podcast: 拐杖
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AI Study Notes for 拐杖
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a walking stick that has an elbow (拐) and a strong support (杖). Picture someone using this stick to navigate through a busy street, emphasizing its role in providing assistance and stability. The 'guai' part sounds like 'way' in 'away,' suggesting guidance, while 'zhang' resembles 'strong' in 'stronghold,' indicating support.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 拐杖 in contexts specifically related to mobility aids, as it may not apply to other types of sticks or poles. The term is neutral, but when discussing it in a medical context, be sure to maintain a respectful tone. Common collocations include '使用拐杖' (to use crutches) and '拐杖的种类' (types of crutches).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 拐杖 connects with other health-related vocabulary and terms about assistance and rehabilitation. Focus on understanding its usage in medical contexts, and practice forming sentences that include related vocabulary like 病人 (patient) and 走路 (to walk).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mobility aids such as 拐杖 are often viewed with sensitivity, as they signify both physical challenges and the importance of caring for the elderly or disabled. It's common in traditional Chinese medicine to emphasize rehabilitation and support for those with mobility issues.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拐杖 with other types of sticks, such as 棍子 (gùn zi), which refers to a stick or club. Remember that 拐杖 specifically denotes a supportive walking aid, while 棍子 does not imply assistance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拐杖
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Grammar Patterns of 拐杖
拐杖 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
他费力地拄着____，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
Example Sentences for 拐杖 (10)
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1
他费力地拄着拐杖，一瘸一拐地着向汽车走去。
tā fèi lì dì zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng， ， yī qué yī guǎi dì zháo xiàng qì chē zǒu。
Using his stick heavily, he moved jerkily towards the car.
2
他把一根拐杖靠在栏杆上。
tā bǎ yī gēn guǎi zhàng kào zài lán gān shàng。
He rested one of his crutches against the rail.
3
他腿摔断了以后,不得不靠拐杖走路.
tā tuǐ shuāi duàn le yǐ hòu, , bù dé bù kào guǎi zhàng zǒu.
When he broke his leg he had to walk on crutches.
4
那老汉拄着拐杖一瘸一拐地走着.
nà lǎo hàn zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng yī qué yī guǎi dì zǒu zháo.
The old man hobbled along ( the road ) with the aid of his stick.
5
他拄着拐杖, 走得慢慢地, 挟着一本很大的剪贴簿.
tā zhǔ zháo guǎi zhàng, , zǒu dé màn màn, dì , xié zháo yī běn hěn dà de jiǎn.
He came slowly, on crutches, clutching a big scrapbook.
Now, here it is: What could I do, with this old timber I hobble on?
10
那个年老的教堂管事,拄着一根拐杖, 正在他的家门口呼吸新鲜空气.
nà gè nián lǎo de jiào táng guǎn shì, , zhǔ zháo yī gēn guǎi, zhàng , zhèng zài tā de jiā mén kǒu hū xī xīn xiān.
The old sexton, leaning on a crutch, was taking the air at his cottage door.
Cultural Notes for 拐杖
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, mobility aids such as 拐杖 are often viewed with sensitivity, as they signify both physical challenges and the importance of caring for the elderly or disabled. It's common in traditional Chinese medicine to emphasize rehabilitation and support for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拐杖
Both terms refer to walking aids, but 拐杖 (guǎi zhàng) is more commonly used for crutches, while 柺杖 (kǎn zhàng) can refer to a walking stick or staff.
Yes, 拐杖 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing health and rehabilitation.
'To walk with crutches' is translated as '用拐杖走路' (yòng guǎi zhàng zǒu lù).
