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March 24, 2026
营(營)yíng(ying2)
The character 营 (yíng) primarily refers to a camp or barracks, often associated with military contexts. It can also denote the act of managing or operating something, such as a business or a project, highlighting the dual nature of the word in both military and civilian applications.
Strokes11Radical艹Frequency#3929DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 营 is deeply rooted in the history of military organization and strategy, reflecting the importance of discipline and management in both military and business settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'camp' where soldiers are 'striving' for success. The character 营 resembles a tent (the top part) over a foundation, symbolizing the 'camp' aspect, while the components suggest an organized effort to achieve goals.
Meanings of 营
yíng(ying2)
1camp
2barracks
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 营
营Simplified
營Traditional
11Strokes
艹Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3929Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5
Podcast: 营
Podcast: 营
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AI Study Notes for 营
Quick Contrast
营 (yíng) vs 兵 (bīng) — choose 营 when referring to a camp or barracks context, while 兵 specifically refers to soldiers or military personnel.
Usage Notes
Be aware that 营 is often used in military contexts but is also common in business language. A frequent mistake is using it inappropriately in casual conversations; it generally carries a more formal tone. Common collocations include 营业 (yíngyè, to operate a business) and 营地 (yíngdì, campsite).
HSK Study Tips
Although 营 is not included in the official HSK levels, it connects to many vocabulary themes related to management and organization found in HSK Level 4 and above. Students should practice using it in both military and business contexts to enhance adaptability.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 营 with 营业 (yíngyè) and use it incorrectly in casual contexts, such as saying '我在营' (I am in the camp) when discussing business. The correct phrase should specify the context clearly, like '我在经营一家公司' (I am managing a company).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 营
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How Well Do You Know 营?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 营 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.
The character 营 (yíng) primarily refers to a camp or barracks, often associated with military contexts. It can also denote the act of managing or operating something, such as a business or a project, highlighting the dual nature of the word in both military and civilian applications.
When to use 营
Be aware that 营 is often used in military contexts but is also common in business language. A frequent mistake is using it inappropriately in casual conversations; it generally carries a more formal tone. Common collocations include 营业 (yíngyè, to operate a business) and 营地 (yíngdì, campsite).
营 or something close to it
营 (yíng) vs 兵 (bīng) — choose 营 when referring to a camp or barracks context, while 兵 specifically refers to soldiers or military personnel.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 营 with 营业 (yíngyè) and use it incorrectly in casual contexts, such as saying '我在营' (I am in the camp) when discussing business. The correct phrase should specify the context clearly, like '我在经营一家公司' (I am managing a company).
Write 营
营
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Grammar Patterns of 营
营 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 8 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
各家经____各自的农场，收获各自的劳动成果。
Each family farms individually and reaps the benefit of its labor.
Common Confusions with 营
营vs赢
yíng
Similar pronunciation but different meanings and characters.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “camp”?
or
Example Sentences for 营 (10)
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1
各家经营各自的农场，收获各自的劳动成果。
gè jiā jīng yíng gè zì de nóng cháng， ， shōu huò gè zì de láo dòng chéng。
Each family farms individually and reaps the benefit of its labor.
The private sector, by contrast, has plenty of money to spend.
10
一些预制膳食很有营养，而且烹调起来很简单。
yī xiē yù zhì shàn shí hěn yǒu yíng yǎng， ， ér qiě pēng tiáo qǐ lái hěn jiǎn。
Some ready made meals are nutritious and very easy to prepare.
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Word Family of 营
Words Containing This Character20
经营jīngyíngto run經營
营yíngcamp營
营地camp營地
营养yíngyǎngnutrition營養
运营yùnyíngto be in operation運營
营销marketing營銷
营业yíngyèto trade營業
露营to camp out露營
营救yíngjiùto rescue營救
民营privately run (i.e. by a company, not the state)民營
营造yíngzàoto make營造
野营yěyíngto camp野營
夏令营xiàlìngyíngsummer camp夏令營
集中营concentration camp集中營
阵营zhènyíngcamp陣營
经营者executive經營者
私营sīyíngprivate私營
军营barracks軍營
大本营headquarters大本營
营运running營運
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 营
What does 经营 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 营
Common phrases that include 营 (yíng) are '营地' (yíngdì), meaning 'campsite', and '营运' (yíngyùn), meaning 'operation' or 'management'. These phrases showcase the versatility of the character in different contexts.
营 (yíng) generally refers to the concepts of camp or operation, while 经营 (jīngyíng) specifically means 'to manage' or 'to conduct business'. The addition of 经 (jīng) in 经营 adds a layer of complexity related to management and business operations.
营 (yíng) has several meanings in Chinese, including 'camp', 'barracks', and 'battalion'. It can also mean 'to build', 'to operate', or 'to manage'. The context in which it is used will help determine its specific meaning.
To use 营 (yíng) in a sentence, you might say '我们在营里训练' (Wǒmen zài yíng lǐ xùnliàn), which means 'We train at the camp'. This illustrates its meaning related to a military or training setting. You can also use it in business contexts, such as '他在这家公司营运' (Tā zài zhè jiā gōngsī yíngyùn), meaning 'He operates at this company'.
Yes, but it's more common in formal or military contexts. In casual conversation, you may want to use simpler terms for 'manage' or 'operate'.
No, while it has military connotations, it is also widely used in business contexts, such as 营业 (to operate a business).
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