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March 24, 2026
轮船(輪船)lúnchuán(lun2chuan2)
轮船 (lún chuán) refers to a steamship or ocean liner, typically used for long-distance travel across water. It encompasses various types of ships, particularly those powered by steam, and is commonly associated with both commercial and passenger transport on oceans and large rivers.
Frequency#17360DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the development of steamships during the late Qing Dynasty played a crucial role in modernizing trade and military transport, reflecting the country's adaptation to Western technology.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large ship with round wheels (轮) turning in the water, symbolizing the '轮' in 轮船. The sound 'lun' can remind you of 'lunar,' connecting to vast journeys across the sea like the moon's reflection on water, while '船' (boat) completes the picture of a large vessel.
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AI Study Notes for 轮船
Quick Contrast
货船 (huòchuán, cargo ship) - use 轮船 when referring to passenger or steam-powered vessels, while 货船 specifically denotes ships designed for transporting goods.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large ship with round wheels (轮) turning in the water, symbolizing the '轮' in 轮船. The sound 'lun' can remind you of 'lunar,' connecting to vast journeys across the sea like the moon's reflection on water, while '船' (boat) completes the picture of a large vessel.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 轮船 mainly in contexts related to travel or transport over water, as using it for smaller boats may be incorrect. It's generally considered a more formal term, so in casual conversation, you might hear just '船' (chuán) for 'boat'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 轮船 connects with vocabulary related to travel and transportation. Students should focus on using it in sentences about travel experiences or discussing modes of transport to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In China, the development of steamships during the late Qing Dynasty played a crucial role in modernizing trade and military transport, reflecting the country's adaptation to Western technology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 轮船 to refer to small boats or canoes, which is incorrect. Instead, use 船 for smaller vessels, reserving 轮船 for larger, steam-powered ships.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 轮船
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Grammar Patterns of 轮船
轮船 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 4 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
他轻轻松开油门杆，____开始缓缓前行。
He gently opened the throttle, and the ship began to ease forward.
The ship was cut into several pieces in the accident.
7
轮船在水中破浪前行。
lún chuán zài shuǐ zhōng pò làng qián háng。
The ship sliced through the water.
8
轮船到达上海时, 乘客都上了岸.
lún chuán dào dá shàng hǎi shí, , chéng kè dū shàng le.
When the ship arrived in Shanghai, the passengers disembarked.
9
轮船在雾中相撞.
lún chuán zài wù zhōng xiāng zhuàng.
The ships collided in the fog.
10
看到飘满彩旗的轮船驶进港口,我们才不再为它能否安全返航而担心.
kàn dào piāo mǎn cǎi qí de lún chuán shǐ jìn gǎng kǒu, , wǒ mén cái bù zài wéi tā néng fǒu ān quán fǎn háng ér dān.
We stopped worrying about the ship's safe arrival when she sailed into the harbor with all her flags flying.
Cultural Notes for 轮船
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the development of steamships during the late Qing Dynasty played a crucial role in modernizing trade and military transport, reflecting the country's adaptation to Western technology.
Frequently Asked Questions about 轮船
轮船 specifically refers to steamships or larger vessels, while 船 is a general term for any boat.
No, 轮船 primarily refers to steamships and larger ocean liners; smaller boats are simply referred to as 船.
It's more commonly used in formal contexts or writing, while 船 is preferred in casual speech.
