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March 24, 2026
狼láng(lang2)
The character 狼 (láng) means 'wolf' in Mandarin. It is used to refer to the animal itself and can also appear in various idiomatic expressions or metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing cunning or ferocity. Commonly, it is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing wildlife or behaviors akin to a wolf.
Strokes10Radical犭Frequency#2091DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wolves often symbolize cunning and aggression. The phrase '狼心狗肺' (láng xīn gǒu fèi), meaning 'wolf-hearted and dog-lunged,' describes someone who is treacherous and ungrateful.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce wolf howling at the moon. The character 狼 looks like a wolf's face with sharp ears (the radical 犭, meaning 'dog' or 'animal') and the rest of the character conveys its wild nature. Remembering the sound 'láng' can be linked to 'long' in English, as in a long, wild howl.
Meanings of 狼
láng(lang2)
1wolf
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 狼 means.
About 狼
狼Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2091Frequency Rank
匹Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 狼
Podcast: 狼
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AI Study Notes for 狼
Quick Contrast
狼 (láng, wolf) vs 狐 (hú, fox) — use 狼 when referring to a wolf specifically, while 狐 refers to a fox, a different animal with distinct connotations.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 狼 with other animals, such as 狗 (gǒu - dog). Pay attention to the context to avoid mix-ups. It's also important to note the different measure words: use 匹 (pǐ) for a pair or group, and 条 (tiáo) when referring to wolves in a more abstract sense.
HSK Study Tips
Although 狼 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other animal-related words at lower levels. Focus on its pronunciation and common collocations, such as 狼群 (lángqún - wolf pack) to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use the wrong measure word; for example, saying 一只狼 (yī zhī láng) instead of 一匹狼 (yī pǐ láng) for 'a wolf'. Always check the context for the correct measure word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狼
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How Well Do You Know 狼?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 狼 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.
狼 = 犭 + 良. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 狼
IDS Structure⿰犭良
狼Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
良liang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 狼?
How to say wolf in Chinese
“wolf” in Chinese is狼láng
The character 狼 (láng) means 'wolf' in Mandarin. It is used to refer to the animal itself and can also appear in various idiomatic expressions or metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing cunning or ferocity. Commonly, it is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing wildlife or behaviors akin to a wolf.
When to use 狼
Learners often confuse 狼 with other animals, such as 狗 (gǒu - dog). Pay attention to the context to avoid mix-ups. It's also important to note the different measure words: use 匹 (pǐ) for a pair or group, and 条 (tiáo) when referring to wolves in a more abstract sense.
狼 or something close to it
狼 (láng, wolf) vs 狐 (hú, fox) — use 狼 when referring to a wolf specifically, while 狐 refers to a fox, a different animal with distinct connotations.
What learners get wrong
Learners might mistakenly use the wrong measure word; for example, saying 一只狼 (yī zhī láng) instead of 一匹狼 (yī pǐ láng) for 'a wolf'. Always check the context for the correct measure word.
Write 狼
狼
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Practice writing 狼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 狼
狼 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
除了厨房特别干净外，这地方一片____藉。
Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess.
Example Sentences for 狼 (10)
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1
除了厨房特别干净外，这地方一片狼藉。
chú le chú fáng tè bié gān jìng wài， ， zhè dì fāng yī piàn láng。
Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess.
2
警察伸手抚摸那只猎狼犬。
jǐng chá shēn shǒu fǔ mō nà zhī liè láng quǎn。
The policeman reached down and petted the wolfhound.
3
我狼吞虎咽地吃着那一大块牛排。
wǒ láng tūn hǔ yān dì chī zháo nà yī dà kuài niú pái。
