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March 24, 2026
网(網)wǎng(wang3)
The character 网 (wǎng) primarily means 'net' or 'network.' It is commonly used to refer to physical nets, like fishing nets, as well as abstract networks, such as the internet or social networks. In modern usage, it often signifies connections and relationships among people or systems.
Strokes6Radical网Frequency#2810DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of a network is significant in Chinese culture, particularly with the rise of social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo, which have transformed how people connect and communicate. The use of 网 in these contexts highlights the importance of relationships in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spider web (网) where each thread represents a connection. The character resembles a web with its intersecting lines, and the pronunciation 'wǎng' sounds like 'wang,' which could remind you of a 'web of connections' or a 'web of relationships' in a social context.
Meanings of 网
wǎng(wang3)
1net
2network
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 网
网Simplified
網Traditional
6Strokes
网Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2810Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1BCT✓CEFRA1
Podcast: 网
Podcast: 网
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AI Study Notes for 网
Quick Contrast
网 (wǎng) vs 网络 (wǎngluò) — use 网 for a physical net or simple network, while 网络 refers specifically to a more complex or abstract network, like the internet.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 网 with other similar characters like 亡 (wáng), which means 'to perish.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in phrases like '互联网' (hùliánwǎng) meaning 'internet.' Pay attention to the third tone (wǎng) to avoid mispronunciations.
HSK Study Tips
Although 网 is not specifically listed in the HSK curriculum, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary related to technology and communication, such as 互联网 (internet) and 网络 (network). Focus on understanding its usage in compound words to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 网 (wǎng) with 亡 (wáng) due to similar pronunciation. For instance, saying '我用亡来钓鱼' (wǒ yòng wáng lái diàoyú) is incorrect; it should be '我用网来钓鱼' (wǒ yòng wǎng lái diàoyú), meaning 'I use a net to fish.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 网
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2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 网? 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 网?
Decomposition of 网
IDS Structure⿵冂⿰乂乂
网Full Character
=
冂jiong1
enclosing
乂yi4
left
乂yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 网?
How to say net in Chinese
“net” in Chinese is网wǎng
The character 网 (wǎng) primarily means 'net' or 'network.' It is commonly used to refer to physical nets, like fishing nets, as well as abstract networks, such as the internet or social networks. In modern usage, it often signifies connections and relationships among people or systems.
When to use 网
Be careful not to confuse 网 with other similar characters like 亡 (wáng), which means 'to perish.' It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often in phrases like '互联网' (hùliánwǎng) meaning 'internet.' Pay attention to the third tone (wǎng) to avoid mispronunciations.
网 or something close to it
网 (wǎng) vs 网络 (wǎngluò) — use 网 for a physical net or simple network, while 网络 refers specifically to a more complex or abstract network, like the internet.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 网 (wǎng) with 亡 (wáng) due to similar pronunciation. For instance, saying '我用亡来钓鱼' (wǒ yòng wáng lái diàoyú) is incorrect; it should be '我用网来钓鱼' (wǒ yòng wǎng lái diàoyú), meaning 'I use a net to fish.'
Write 网
网
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Practice writing 网 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 网
网 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). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Western cultures, 'network' often emphasizes professional connections, while in Chinese culture, it encompasses personal relationships and social ties, reflecting a more collectivist approach.
Word Family of 网
Compounds1
羀
Words Containing This Character20
网wǎngnet網
网络wǎngluòInternet網絡
网站wǎngzhànwebsite網站
网上wǎngshangonline網上
上网shàngwǎngto go online上網
互联网hùliánwǎngInternet互聯網
网球wǎngqiútennis網球
新华网Xinhua News Network新華網
网吧wǎngbāInternet café網吧
网页wǎngyèweb page網頁
电网diànwǎngelectrical network電網
中新网ChinaNews (China News Service)中新網
视网膜retina視網膜
网点wǎngdiǎnbranch網點
铁丝网wire netting鐵絲網
网民wǎngmínweb user網民
因特网Internet因特網
联网liánwǎngnetwork聯網
一网打尽fig. to scoop up the whole lot一網打盡
落网(of a tennis ball) to hit the net落網
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 网 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 网
Common phrases with 网 include '互联网' (hùliánwǎng), meaning 'internet,' and '社交网络' (shèjiāo wǎngluò), meaning 'social network.' These phrases highlight the usage of 网 in modern communication contexts.
Yes, 网 is frequently used in everyday conversation, especially when discussing technology, social media, or online activities. It's important for learners to understand this character due to its relevance in contemporary topics.
网 (wǎng) means 'net' or 'network' in Chinese. It can refer to various types of nets, like fishing nets or a network of connections, such as the internet. This character is commonly used in terms related to technology and communication.
网 can be used in sentences to describe both physical nets and networks. For example, you can say '我在网上购物' (Wǒ zài wǎng shàng gòuwù), which means 'I shop online.' It conveys the idea of using the internet as a shopping platform.
It is pronounced as 'wǎng' with a falling-rising tone.
Yes, 网 is versatile and can be used in both types of conversation.
Common phrases include 互联网 (hùliánwǎng) for 'internet' and 网络 (wǎngluò) for 'network'.
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