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March 24, 2026
策略cèlüè(ce4lu:e4)
策略 (cè lüè) refers to a plan or method designed to achieve a specific goal, often used in contexts such as business, military strategy, or personal development. It emphasizes careful thought and planning, often involving a series of tactical steps to navigate complex situations effectively.
Frequency#3355DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, strategy has historical significance, particularly influenced by texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, which emphasizes the importance of planning and tactics in both warfare and business.
Memory Tip
Think of 策 (cè) as a 'plan' with the radical for 'bamboo' indicating careful crafting, combined with 略 (lüè) which sounds like 'leap', as in leaping into action with a well-thought-out strategy. Imagine an archer who has a bamboo bow, skillfully planning each shot to hit their target.
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AI Study Notes for 策略
Quick Contrast
战术 (zhànshù) — use 战术 when referring to specific tactics or methods employed in the execution of a strategy, while 策略 refers to the overarching plan.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 策 (cè) as a 'plan' with the radical for 'bamboo' indicating careful crafting, combined with 略 (lüè) which sounds like 'leap', as in leaping into action with a well-thought-out strategy. Imagine an archer who has a bamboo bow, skillfully planning each shot to hit their target.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the usage of 策略 in formal contexts, as it may imply a level of strategic depth that simple terms like 计划 (jì huà, plan) do not convey. Common collocations include '制定策略' (formulate strategy) and '实施策略' (implement strategy). Note the correct tones to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 策略 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to planning and execution, such as 计划 (jì huà) and 战略 (zhàn lüè, strategy). Focus on understanding how 策略 fits into discussions about strategies in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, strategy has historical significance, particularly influenced by texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, which emphasizes the importance of planning and tactics in both warfare and business.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 策略 (cè lüè) with 计划 (jì huà), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我的计划是很好的策略' ('My plan is a good strategy') can be misleading; the correct expression should emphasize the tactical aspect, like '我的策略是很好的' ('My strategy is very good').
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 策略
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Grammar Patterns of 策略
策略 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
让人出丑显然不是我的____。
Making people feel foolish is emphatically not my strategy.
Example Sentences for 策略 (9)
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1
让人出丑显然不是我的策略。
ràng rén chū chǒu xiǎn rán bù shì wǒ de cè lüè。
Making people feel foolish is emphatically not my strategy.
2
我坚信我们的策略正在被人存心恶意操纵。
wǒ jiān xìn wǒ mén de cè lüè zhèng zài bèi rén cún xīn è yì cāo zòng。
I firmly believe our strategy is being deliberately, cynically manipulated.
3
不用遵照那套荒唐愚蠢的投资策略也可以做到。
bù yòng zūn zhào nà tào huāng táng yú chǔn de tóu zī cè lüè yě kě yǐ zuò dào。
It can be done without following some absurd, off-the-wall investment strategy.
If its strategy succeeds, Mexico could even steal a march on its northern neighbour.
Cultural Notes for 策略
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, strategy has historical significance, particularly influenced by texts like 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, which emphasizes the importance of planning and tactics in both warfare and business.
Frequently Asked Questions about 策略
In business, 策略 often refers to the overall approach a company takes to achieve its objectives, including market strategies and competitive tactics.
Yes, while it is more formal, it can be used in everyday conversations when discussing plans or approaches to solve problems.
策略 focuses on specific tactics or methods, while 战略 refers to broader strategies or overarching plans.
