Meanings of 部长
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 部长
Podcast: 部长
Podcast: 部长
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 部长
部长 (bùzhǎng) vs 司长 (sīzhǎng): 选择部长 (bùzhǎng) 用于强调在政府或组织中负责特定部门的领导，而选择司长 (sīzhǎng) 通常指的是某个机构内部的高级职务，可能不具备相同的外部权威。
Be cautious not to confuse 部长 with other similar terms like 经理 (manager) or 负责人 (person in charge), which are less formal. This term is typically used in formal contexts, especially within government or large organizations. Common collocations include 教育部长 (Minister of Education) and 财政部长 (Minister of Finance).
Although 部长 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it connects with HSK Level 4 and above vocabulary regarding government and organizational structures. Students should focus on understanding the context in which this title is used, particularly in political discussions.
Learners often confuse 部长 with other leadership titles. For example, saying '我是一位部长' when referring to a manager can be incorrect; it should be '我是一位经理'. Ensure you use the correct title based on the context.
Pronunciation of 部长
Drill the tone of 部长 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say head of a (government etc) department in Chinese
“head of a (government etc) department” in Chinese is部长
部长 refers to the head of a department, particularly in a governmental context. This term is commonly used to describe officials who oversee specific areas, such as the Minister of Education or the Minister of Finance, and it signifies a position of authority and responsibility within an organization.
When to use 部长
Be cautious not to confuse 部长 with other similar terms like 经理 (manager) or 负责人 (person in charge), which are less formal. This term is typically used in formal contexts, especially within government or large organizations. Common collocations include 教育部长 (Minister of Education) and 财政部长 (Minister of Finance).
部长 or something close to it
部长 (bùzhǎng) vs 司长 (sīzhǎng): 选择部长 (bùzhǎng) 用于强调在政府或组织中负责特定部门的领导，而选择司长 (sīzhǎng) 通常指的是某个机构内部的高级职务，可能不具备相同的外部权威。
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 部长 with other leadership titles. For example, saying '我是一位部长' when referring to a manager can be incorrect; it should be '我是一位经理'. Ensure you use the correct title based on the context.
Write 部长
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 部长 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 部长
In Western cultures, the equivalent of a minister might be a cabinet member, but the term is often used more broadly and informally, whereas 部长 carries a formal connotation and specific government responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 部长
It is pronounced as 'bu4 zhang3', with the fourth tone on 'bu' and the third tone on 'zhang'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 部长?
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.