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March 24, 2026
娼chāng(chang1)
The character 娼 (chāng) refers to a prostitute or harlot, often implying a woman who engages in sexual activities for money. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual conversation, and has a negative connotation in most uses. Understanding this term can provide insight into discussions about societal issues and gender roles in modern Chinese culture.
Strokes11Radical女Frequency#35981DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The term 娼 is tied to the historical context of women's roles in society, particularly regarding economic necessity and societal judgment. In modern Chinese culture, discussions about prostitution often reflect broader topics of women's rights and social reform.
Memory Tip
Imagine a woman (女), represented by the radical in 娼, standing in a market (often where such exchanges occur) holding a sign that says 'Change' (sounds like 'chāng'). This visual connects the concept of trade (money for services) with the character's meaning.
Meanings of 娼
chāng(chang1)
1prostitute, harlot
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 娼
娼Simplified
11Strokes
女Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 娼
Podcast: 娼
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AI Study Notes for 娼
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a woman (女), represented by the radical in 娼, standing in a market (often where such exchanges occur) holding a sign that says 'Change' (sounds like 'chāng'). This visual connects the concept of trade (money for services) with the character's meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the usage of 娼, as it is considered derogatory and may offend if used inappropriately. It is more common in written Chinese, especially in literature or discussions about societal issues. A common collocation is 娼妓 (chāng jì), meaning 'prostitute,' which is used more formally.
HSK Study Tips
While 娼 is not included in HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary around social issues and professions. Students at this level should focus on understanding context and connotation, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
Cultural Note
The term 娼 is tied to the historical context of women's roles in society, particularly regarding economic necessity and societal judgment. In modern Chinese culture, discussions about prostitution often reflect broader topics of women's rights and social reform.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 娼 with 妓, using them interchangeably. While both refer to prostitution, remember that 娼 is more formal and has a heavier connotation, so use 妓 for more casual conversations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 娼
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Grammar Patterns of 娼
娼 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我早该知道你会跟哪个小____妇在一起。
I might have known I'd find you with some little slut.
I might have known I'd find you with some little slut.
2
娼妓靠赚肮脏钱生活.
chāng jì kào zhuàn āng zāng qián shēng huó.
A prostitute lives off immoral earnings.
3
逛暗娼他也想独占,因为他有钱.
guàng àn chāng tā yě xiǎng dú zhān, , yīn wéi tā yǒu.
Even in brothels he wanted to monopolize because he had money.
Cultural Notes for 娼
🏮Cultural insight
The term 娼 is tied to the historical context of women's roles in society, particularly regarding economic necessity and societal judgment. In modern Chinese culture, discussions about prostitution often reflect broader topics of women's rights and social reform.
Word Family of 娼
Words Containing This Character7
嫖娼to go whoring
娼妓prostitute
娼chāngprostitute
娼妇prostitute娼婦
暗娼unlicensed (unregistered) prostitute
逼良为娼to debauch逼良為娼
笑贫不笑娼lit. despising poverty but not prostitution (idiom)笑貧不笑娼
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 嫖娼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 娼
Both terms refer to a prostitute, but 娼 (chāng) is more literary and formal, while 妓 (jì) is more commonly used in everyday language.
No, 娼 carries a negative connotation and is generally inappropriate in casual contexts.
You can say '她是一名娼' (Tā shì yī míng chāng) meaning 'She is a prostitute.' However, use it carefully.
