Meanings of 弩
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About 弩
Podcast: 弩
Podcast: 弩
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AI Study Notes for 弩
弓 (gōng) — 弩 specifically refers to a crossbow, while 弓 refers to a traditional bow, which is drawn by hand.
Imagine a heavy crossbow that looks like a large 'N' lying on its side, with the bowstring pulled back, ready to release an arrow. The 'N' shape helps you remember the pronunciation 'nǔ', and the downward stroke of the arrow symbolizes the impact of the weapon.
Learners often confuse 弩 with 弓 (gōng), which means 'bow'. Remember that 弩 specifically refers to the crossbow, while 弓 is the simpler bow. Formal contexts may include literature or historical discussions, while informal contexts might involve gaming or archery discussions.
Although 弩 is not an HSK word, understanding its structure can help with recognizing other compound words related to weapons or military terms. Focus on the radical 弓 (gōng), which appears in many other characters related to archery and weaponry.
In ancient China, the crossbow was a significant military advancement, used in various dynasties for its long-range capability. Its mention in historical texts reflects the importance of archery in warfare and hunting.
Learners often mispronounce 弩 as 'nǔ' with an incorrect tone, such as 'nǔ' with a level tone. Ensure you emphasize the falling tone to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
Pronunciation of 弩
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Etymology of 弩
Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 奴 represents the sound.
bow
Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 弩
Identify the Components
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Write 弩
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Practice writing 弩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 弩
弩 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.
Complete the Sentence
世界在冷战中剑拨____张.
The world lives at daggers drawn in a cold war.
Example Sentences for 弩 (1)
Cultural Notes for 弩
In ancient China, the crossbow was a significant military advancement, used in various dynasties for its long-range capability. Its mention in historical texts reflects the importance of archery in warfare and hunting.
Word Family of 弩
Compound Meaning
What does 弩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 弩
弩 refers specifically to a crossbow, while 弓 refers to a traditional bow used for archery. Understanding this distinction is important in historical and modern contexts.