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March 24, 2026
犬quǎn(quan3)
The character 犬 (quǎn) means 'dog' and is commonly used to refer to dogs in general, as well as in specific contexts such as dog breeds or in idiomatic expressions. It can also represent loyalty and companionship, reflecting the important role dogs play in Chinese culture as pets and working animals.
Strokes4Radical犬Frequency#3532DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dogs are often associated with loyalty and protection, and they are one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Dogs are celebrated in festivals and are considered good luck in many households.
Memory Tip
Think of 犬 (quǎn) as resembling a small dog with its ears perked up. The character looks like a stylized dog standing with its head held high, ready to play. Imagine a dog barking 'quǎn' to help you remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 犬
quǎn(quan3)
1dog
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 犬
犬Simplified
4Strokes
犬Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#3532Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 犬
Podcast: 犬
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AI Study Notes for 犬
Quick Contrast
狗 (gǒu) vs 狼 (láng) — choose 犬 when referring to a general term for 'dog' or in a more formal context, while 狗 is more colloquial.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 犬 (quǎn) as resembling a small dog with its ears perked up. The character looks like a stylized dog standing with its head held high, ready to play. Imagine a dog barking 'quǎn' to help you remember the pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing quǎn, as it is the third tone. Common collocations include 犬类 (quǎn lèi, meaning 'canines') and 狗 (gǒu, a more general term for 'dog'). Avoid using 犬 in overly formal contexts, where 狗 is often preferred.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 犬 connects to other animal-related vocabulary and adds complexity to discussions about pets and animals. Students should focus on using it in context, such as in sentences about pet care or characteristics.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dogs are often associated with loyalty and protection, and they are one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Dogs are celebrated in festivals and are considered good luck in many households.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 犬 with 狗, using 犬 in casual conversation where 狗 is more appropriate. For example, saying '我有一只犬' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī quǎn) instead of '我有一只狗' (wǒ yǒu yī zhī gǒu) sounds overly formal.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 犬
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Grammar Patterns of 犬
犬 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). 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
英国人以爱____而闻名。
The British are renowned as a nation of dog lovers.
Example Sentences for 犬 (10)
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1
英国人以爱犬而闻名。
yīng guó rén yǐ ài quǎn ér wén míng。
The British are renowned as a nation of dog lovers.
2
警察伸手抚摸那只猎狼犬。
jǐng chá shēn shǒu fǔ mō nà zhī liè láng quǎn。
The policeman reached down and petted the wolfhound.
3
他因没能给比特犬戴嘴套而被判有罪。
tā yīn méi néng gěi bǐ tè quǎn dài zuǐ tào ér bèi pàn yǒu zuì。
shì miáo shù yī zhī jiào zuò[ [ bā] gōng ] de qiū tián quǎn de.
It tells the tale of the deeds of an akita named Hachiko.
10
秋田犬是柴犬的两倍大.
qiū tián quǎn shì chái quǎn de liǎng bèi dà.
The Akita is twice as large as the Shiba Inu.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
The British are renowned as a nation of dog lovers.
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Cultural Notes for 犬
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, dogs are often associated with loyalty and protection, and they are one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Dogs are celebrated in festivals and are considered good luck in many households.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While dogs are commonly valued as pets in both Chinese and Western cultures, in some Western contexts, they are often viewed as family members, whereas in China, they may also serve practical roles such as guard or working animals.
