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March 24, 2026
对手(對手)duìshǒu(dui4shou3)
对手 (duìshǒu) refers to an opponent or rival in various contexts, including sports, competitions, and even in business. It implies a sense of respect for the competitor, suggesting they are well-matched or pose a significant challenge.
Strokes9Frequency#1951DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, competition is often viewed positively as a means of self-improvement and skill development. The concept of 对手 emphasizes the respect for one's rivals, reflecting the value placed on perseverance and excellence.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'duel' with two hands (对手) facing off against each other, representing opponents. The '对' part resembles a pair of opposing arrows, while '手' means 'hand,' reinforcing the idea of a contest between rivals.
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AI Study Notes for 对手
Quick Contrast
对手 (opponent) vs 竞争者 (competitor) — use 对手 when emphasizing a respectful rivalry, while 竞争者 focuses more on the aspect of competition without the same connotation of mutual respect.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 对手 with the term '敌人' (dírén), which means enemy and carries a more hostile connotation. 对手 is often used in sports and competitive contexts, making it more suitable for neutral or positive references.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 对手 connects to other terms related to competition, such as 竞争 (jìngzhēng, competition) and 胜利 (shènglì, victory). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss contests, challenges, or rivalries.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 对手 with 朋友 (péngyǒu, friend), leading to incorrect phrases like '我和我的对手是朋友' (I and my opponent are friends) when the context is competitive. Instead, specify the context clearly to avoid misunderstanding.
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Pronunciation of 对手
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对手 (duìshǒu) refers to an opponent or rival in various contexts, including sports, competitions, and even in business. It implies a sense of respect for the competitor, suggesting they are well-matched or pose a significant challenge.
When to use 对手
Be careful not to confuse 对手 with the term '敌人' (dírén), which means enemy and carries a more hostile connotation. 对手 is often used in sports and competitive contexts, making it more suitable for neutral or positive references.
对手 or something close to it
对手 (opponent) vs 竞争者 (competitor) — use 对手 when emphasizing a respectful rivalry, while 竞争者 focuses more on the aspect of competition without the same connotation of mutual respect.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 对手 with 朋友 (péngyǒu, friend), leading to incorrect phrases like '我和我的对手是朋友' (I and my opponent are friends) when the context is competitive. Instead, specify the context clearly to avoid misunderstanding.
Write 对手
对
手
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Grammar Patterns of 对手
对手 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
