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靶 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
target, markp, 13 strokes, radical 革, rank #12303, Hard
(ba3) T3
  1. 1target, mark
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
(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.

Strokes13RadicalFrequency#12303DifficultyHard
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

(ba3)
1target, mark
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 靶

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

Podcast: 靶

JasonAmy

Podcast:

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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.

Memory Mnemonic

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 靶?

Decomposition of 靶

IDS Structure⿰革巴
Full Character
=
ge2
left
Ba1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 靶?

Write 靶

Practice writing 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

Complete the Sentence

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.

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

zuó tiān tā zhī yǒu yī cì tuō bǎ.

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

wǒ mén wǎng bǎ zǐ shàng zhì fēi dāo.

We threw knives at targets.

Cultural Notes for 靶

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Word Family of 靶

Words Containing This Character9
target
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

Compound Meaning

What does 靶 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 靶

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