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侵略 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
侵略qīnlüèinvasionHSK 7, v, rank #8562, Hard
侵略qīnlüèencroachmentHSK 7, v, rank #8562, Hard
侵略qīnèinvasionHSK 7, v, rank #8562, Hard
侵略qīnèencroachmentHSK 7, v, rank #8562, Hard
qīnè(qin1lüe4)
primary
T4
  1. 1invasion
  2. 2encroachment
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March 24, 2026
侵略qīnè(qin1lüe4)

The term 侵略 (qīn lè) refers to the act of invading or encroaching upon a territory, often with military force. It is commonly used in historical and political contexts to describe aggressive actions taken by one nation against another, as well as in discussions about colonialism and imperialism.

Frequency#8562DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of 侵略 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly in reference to foreign invasions during the Opium Wars and Japanese occupation. This word evokes a strong emotional response in discussions about national sovereignty and pride.

Memory Tip

Think of 侵 (qīn) as 'to invade' with the radical for 'water' (氵) suggesting the flow of an invading force. The character 劳 (lè) can remind you of 'labor' or 'effort' required to carry out the invasion, emphasizing the aggressive nature of the action.

Meanings of 侵略

qīnè(qin1lüe4)
primary
1invasion
2encroachment
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 侵略

侵略Simplified
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8562Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 侵略

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Podcast: 侵略

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AI Study Notes for 侵略

Quick Contrast

侵占 (qīnzhàn) - use 侵略 when emphasizing military aggression, while 侵占 focuses on the act of occupying a territory.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 侵 (qīn) as 'to invade' with the radical for 'water' (氵) suggesting the flow of an invading force. The character 劳 (lè) can remind you of 'labor' or 'effort' required to carry out the invasion, emphasizing the aggressive nature of the action.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; 侵 (qīn) is pronounced with a high-level tone while 略 (lè) is pronounced with a falling tone. This word is generally used in formal contexts, especially in discussions related to history and international relations. Avoid using it lightly in casual conversations.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 侵略 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to conflict and governance. Students should pay attention to its usage in political discourse and texts, as well as its collocations with words like '战争' (war) and '国家' (nation).

Cultural Note

The concept of 侵略 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly in reference to foreign invasions during the Opium Wars and Japanese occupation. This word evokes a strong emotional response in discussions about national sovereignty and pride.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 侵略 with 占领 (occupy), mistakenly using them interchangeably. Remember that 侵略 focuses on the act of invasion itself, while 占领 refers specifically to the occupation that follows.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 侵略

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Component Characters

qīnto invade
9 strokes
View full entry
èplan
HSK 711 strokes
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Write 侵略

Practice writing 侵略 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 侵略

侵略 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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

如果你通过____谋取利益,这就成了弱肉强食。

If you make aggression pay, this becomes the law of the jungle.

Example Sentences for 侵略 (5)

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1
如果你通过侵略谋取利益,这就成了弱肉强食。

rú guǒ nǐ tōng guò qīn lüè móu qǔ lì yì, , zhè jiù chéng le ruò ròu qiáng。

If you make aggression pay, this becomes the law of the jungle.
2
那次偷袭是一种不正当的侵略行径。

nà cì tōu xí shì yī zhǒng bù zhèng dāng de qīn lüè háng jìng。

The raid was an unjustifiable act of aggression.
3
他们决心把侵略者赶出国土.

tā mén jué xīn bǎ qīn lüè zhě gǎn chū guó tǔ.

They were determined to drive the aggressors out of their soil.
4
他们丢下土地,遭侵略军占领.

tā mén diū xià tǔ dì, , zāo qīn lüè jūn zhān.

They abandoned their lands to the invading forces.
5
侵略兵把刺刀的刀身刺入那个妇人的心脏.

qīn lüè bīng bǎ cì dāo de dāo shēn cì rù nà gè fù rén de xīn zāng.

The invader thrust the blade of his bayonet into the woman's heart.

Cultural Notes for 侵略

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of 侵略 is deeply rooted in Chinese history, particularly in reference to foreign invasions during the Opium Wars and Japanese occupation. This word evokes a strong emotional response in discussions about national sovereignty and pride.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the notion of invasion can often be viewed through a lens of military strategy and justification, whereas in Chinese culture, it is frequently tied to historical trauma and the collective memory of loss and resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions about 侵略

You can say, '历史上有许多国家经历了侵略,' which means 'Many countries experienced invasion throughout history.'