Meanings of 枪
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About 枪
Podcast: 枪
Podcast: 枪
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AI Study Notes for 枪
步枪 (bùqiāng, rifle) vs 手枪 (shǒuqiāng, handgun) — use 枪 for general reference to firearms, while步枪 specifies a type of long gun and 手枪 specifies a type of sidearm.
Imagine a soldier holding a gun made of a tree (木) and a spear (枪). The木 (wood) part represents the handle, while the spear tip symbolizes the 'gun' aspect. Picture the soldier shouting 'qiāng!' as he prepares to fire, linking the sound to the character's pronunciation.
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing qiāng, as it is a first tone. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters. This word is more commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about firearms and weaponry.
As HSK Level 5 vocabulary, qiāng connects to other words related to weapons and tools, such as 刀 (dāo, knife) and 剑 (jiàn, sword). Students should focus on understanding its various usages and collocations, as well as practicing its pronunciation.
In Chinese culture, firearms have a complex history tied to warfare and defense. The character 枪 is also used metaphorically in literature to symbolize power or aggression.
Learners often confuse 枪 (qiāng) with similar-sounding characters like 羊 (yáng, sheep). For example, saying '我喜欢羊' (wǒ xǐhuān yáng) instead of '我喜欢枪' (wǒ xǐhuān qiāng) can lead to confusion. Always double-check the tones and meaning.
Pronunciation of 枪
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Etymology of 枪
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 仓 represents the sound. Simplified form of 槍.
wood
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 枪?
Decomposition of 枪
Identify the Components
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Write 枪
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Practice writing 枪 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 枪
枪 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 13 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.
Complete the Sentence
“给我来份烤金____鱼吧，”玛丽·安告诉侍者。
"I'll take the grilled tuna," Mary Ann told the waiter.
Common Confusions with 枪
Similar pronunciation but different meanings and radicals.
Similar pronunciation but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "gun"?
Example Sentences for 枪 (10)
Cultural Notes for 枪
In Chinese culture, firearms have a complex history tied to warfare and defense. The character 枪 is also used metaphorically in literature to symbolize power or aggression.
In Western cultures, the concept of guns often includes discussions about rights and personal freedom, whereas in China, the use of firearms is more strictly regulated and viewed through the lens of public safety.
Word Family of 枪
Compound Meaning
What does 枪 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 枪
枪 (qiāng) specifically refers to firearms like guns and rifles, while 武器 (wǔqì) is a broader term that means 'weapons' in general, encompassing all types of weapons including knives, swords, and guns. Understanding this distinction is important for precise communication in conversations about weaponry.