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.
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.
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
Drill the tone of 弩 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 弩
Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 奴 represents the sound.
bow
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 弩
Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 奴 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half弓 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half奴 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybow
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 弩? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 弩?
Decomposition of 弩
Identify the Components
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How to say crossbow; an arrow falling, a downward stroke in Chinese
“crossbow; an arrow falling, a downward stroke” in Chinese is弩
The character 弩 (nǔ) refers to a crossbow, a weapon that uses a horizontal bow mounted on a frame. It is commonly used in historical and military contexts, signifying precision and power in archery. In modern usage, it may also refer metaphorically to something that has a strong impact or downward force.
When to use 弩
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.
弩 or something close to it
弓 (gōng) — 弩 specifically refers to a crossbow, while 弓 refers to a traditional bow, which is drawn by hand.
What learners get wrong
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.
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)
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.
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