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犭 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
犭quǎndogzg, 3 strokes, radical 犭
quǎn(quan3)quan T3
  1. 1dog
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March 24, 2026

犭quǎn(quan3)

The character 犭 (quǎn) is a variant of the character for 'dog' and is often used as a radical in other characters related to animals, specifically dogs or canines. It is commonly seen in characters like 狼 (láng, wolf) and 猫 (māo, cat), where it indicates a relationship to animals or their behaviors.

Strokes3Radical犭
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, dogs symbolize loyalty and companionship, often viewed as 'man's best friend.' This character connects to traditional beliefs about the role of dogs in families and communities, especially during festivals like the Chinese New Year.

Memory tip

Imagine a dog (犭) wagging its tail excitedly. The character looks like a dog with its tail up, indicating happiness. Remember 'quǎn' sounds like 'can,' as in a 'canine'—a group that includes dogs.

Meanings of 犭

quǎn(quan3)
1dog
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 犭

犭Simplified
3Strokes
犭Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

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Podcast: 犭

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AI Study Notes for 犭

Usage Notes

This character is primarily used as a radical rather than standing alone in everyday conversation. It’s important to remember that its pronunciation can change when used in different characters, so focus on its component role rather than standalone usage. Avoid confusing it with the standalone word for dog, which is 狗 (gǒu).

HSK Study Tips

Although 犭 is not an HSK level word by itself, it is useful for recognizing related vocabulary in HSK levels 2 and 3 that involve animals. Students should focus on memorizing characters that include this radical to enhance their understanding of related terms.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 犭 with other animal radicals. For example, they may use 犭 when they mean to refer to a dog directly, instead of using 狗 (gǒu). Always use the full word 狗 for clarity.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 犭

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Etymology of 犭

Formation typePictographic 象形
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation

犭 is a component form of 犬.

Memory hint

A dog turned to the side

Learn more about Pictograph (象形字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 犭?

How to say dog in Chinese

“dog” in Chinese is犭quǎn

The character 犭 (quǎn) is a variant of the character for 'dog' and is often used as a radical in other characters related to animals, specifically dogs or canines. It is commonly seen in characters like 狼 (láng, wolf) and 猫 (māo, cat), where it indicates a relationship to animals or their behaviors.

When to use 犭

This character is primarily used as a radical rather than standing alone in everyday conversation. It’s important to remember that its pronunciation can change when used in different characters, so focus on its component role rather than standalone usage. Avoid confusing it with the standalone word for dog, which is 狗 (gǒu).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 犭 with other animal radicals. For example, they may use 犭 when they mean to refer to a dog directly, instead of using 狗 (gǒu). Always use the full word 狗 for clarity.

Write 犭

犭

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

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Word Family of 犭

Words containing this character1
犭quǎndog

Frequently Asked Questions about 犭

犭 is a radical used in other characters related to dogs, while 狗 (gǒu) is the actual word for 'dog'.

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