Meanings of 弩
By ear
Play it, then pick what 弩 means.
About 弩
Podcast: 弩
Podcast: 弩
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
Jason Explains 弩 to You
Let me explain 弩 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 弩 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 弩?
Learning Lab
Knowing 弩 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
Etymology of 弩
Phonosemantic compound. 弓 represents the meaning and 奴 represents the sound.
bow
Origin
弩 = 弓 + 奴. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 弩
Parts
Which of these is part of 弩?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
世界在冷战中剑拨____张.
The world lives at daggers drawn in a cold war.
Example Sentences for 弩 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 弩?
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 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 弩
Words with 弩
What does 剑拔弩张 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.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 弩?
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.