Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
靶 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
靶bǎtarget, markp, 13 strokes, radical 革, rank #12303, Very Hard
bǎ(ba3)ba T3
  1. 1target, mark
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

靶bǎ(ba3)

The character 靶 (bǎ) refers to a target or mark, often used in contexts such as archery, shooting, or any situation where one aims at a specific point. It can denote both physical targets, like a bullseye, and metaphorical targets, such as goals or objectives in discussions or plans.

Strokes13Radical革Frequency#12303DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese archery, hitting the target was seen as a sign of skill and focus, reflecting the importance of precision in Chinese martial arts and military training.

Memory tip

Imagine a bow and arrow aiming at a bullseye target. The character 靶 has a structure where the left side resembles a bow (弓) and the right side can remind you of a circle (target). Picture yourself shouting 'bǎ' as you hit the mark!

Meanings of 靶

bǎ(ba3)
1target, mark
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 靶 means.

About 靶

靶Simplified
13Strokes
革Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 靶

JasonAmy

Podcast: 靶

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 靶

Quick Contrast

靶 (bǎ, target) vs 目标 (mùbiāo, goal) — use 靶 for physical targets and 目标 for abstract objectives.

Usage Notes

靶 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially concerning sports or strategic goals. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use it specifically for targets. Collocations include '靶心' (bǎxīn - bullseye) and '靶子' (bǎzi - target).

HSK Study Tips

靶 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, but it reflects concepts found in HSK levels 3-4 related to goals and direction. Students should focus on using it in sentences about aiming and targeting during practice.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 靶 with other similar characters like 笔 (bǐ - pen) due to pronunciation. Always remember that 靶 specifically relates to the concept of targets, not writing instruments.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 靶

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 靶 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 靶 to you

Let me explain 靶 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 靶 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 靶?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 靶 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Etymology of 靶

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 革 represents the meaning and 巴 represents the sound.

Memory hint

leather

Semantic (meaning)革
+
Phonetic (sound)巴
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

靶 = 革 + 巴. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 靶

IDS Structure⿰革巴
靶Full character
=
革ge2
left
巴Ba1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 靶?

How to say target, mark in Chinese

“target, mark” in Chinese is靶bǎ

The character 靶 (bǎ) refers to a target or mark, often used in contexts such as archery, shooting, or any situation where one aims at a specific point. It can denote both physical targets, like a bullseye, and metaphorical targets, such as goals or objectives in discussions or plans.

When to use 靶

靶 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially concerning sports or strategic goals. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use it specifically for targets. Collocations include '靶心' (bǎxīn - bullseye) and '靶子' (bǎzi - target).

靶 or something close to it

靶 (bǎ, target) vs 目标 (mùbiāo, goal) — use 靶 for physical targets and 目标 for abstract objectives.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 靶 with other similar characters like 笔 (bǐ - pen) due to pronunciation. Always remember that 靶 specifically relates to the concept of targets, not writing instruments.

Write 靶

靶

Practice writing 靶 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 靶

靶 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

箭离弦飞去,射中了那____心.

The arrow flew off and hit the bull's eye.

Example sentences for 靶 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
箭离弦飞去,射中了那靶心.

jiàn lí xián fēi qù, shè zhōng le nà bǎ xīn.

The arrow flew off and hit the bull's eye.
2
昨天他只有一次脱靶.

zuótiān tā zhǐyǒu yī cì tuō bǎ.

He missed the target only once yesterday.
3
我们往靶子上掷飞刀.

wǒmen wǎng bǎzi shàng zhì fēi dāo.

We threw knives at targets.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 靶?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Word Family of 靶

Words containing this character9
靶bǎtarget
靶子bǎzitarget
打靶target shooting
靶场range靶場
脱靶to miss脫靶
靶机target drone靶機
靶纸target sheet靶紙
靶船target ship
胸靶chest silhouette (used as a target in shooting practice)
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 靶

What does 靶子 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 靶

You can say '我瞄准靶子' (Wǒ miáozhǔn bǎzi) meaning 'I aim at the target'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 靶?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab