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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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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Phonosemantic compound. 犭 represents the meaning and 良 represents the sound.
1The meaning half犭 carries the sense.
2The sound half良 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaydog
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 狼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 狼?
Decomposition of 狼
IDS Structure⿰犭良
狼Full Character
=
犭quan3
left
良liang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component 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
Complete the Sentence
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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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。
