The term '卡脖子' literally means 'to choke the neck' and is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being restrained, limited, or put under pressure. It is commonly used in discussions about economic or political situations where a party exerts control over another, restricting their options or freedom of action.
HSK 6, 24 strokes, Hard
qiǎbózi(qia3bo2zi5) T3
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May 27, 2026
卡脖子qiǎbózi(qia3bo2zi5)
The term '卡脖子' literally means 'to choke the neck' and is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being restrained, limited, or put under pressure. It is commonly used in discussions about economic or political situations where a party exerts control over another, restricting their options or freedom of action.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese discourse, '卡脖子' has gained prominence in discussions about supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of China’s reliance on foreign technology and resources.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to speak but being choked by a tight collar around their neck. This visual of restriction can help you remember '卡脖子' (qiǎbózi) as a term that signifies limitation or pressure.
About 卡脖子
卡脖子Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 卡脖子
Podcast: 卡脖子
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AI Study Notes for 卡脖子
Quick Contrast
压制 (yāzhì, suppress) vs 限制 (xiànzhì, restrict) — use '卡脖子' when emphasizing a more severe, choking control rather than general suppression or limitation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to speak but being choked by a tight collar around their neck. This visual of restriction can help you remember '卡脖子' (qiǎbózi) as a term that signifies limitation or pressure.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse '卡脖子' with similar phrases that imply different types of restriction, such as '限制' (xiànzhì) which means 'to limit'. This term is typically used in more informal or colloquial contexts, often in discussions about politics or business.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, focus on understanding the metaphorical use of '卡脖子' in complex sentences. Connect it with other HSK 6 vocabulary related to power dynamics and control, such as '制约' (zhìyuē - to restrain) or '影响' (yǐngxiǎng - to influence).
Cultural Note
In contemporary Chinese discourse, '卡脖子' has gained prominence in discussions about supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of China’s reliance on foreign technology and resources.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use '卡脖子' in a literal sense, thinking it refers only to physical choking. Instead, remember it is metaphorical for being constrained or restricted in various contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 卡脖子
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Cultural Notes for 卡脖子
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary Chinese discourse, '卡脖子' has gained prominence in discussions about supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of China’s reliance on foreign technology and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about 卡脖子
'卡脖子' is primarily used in political and economic contexts, but it can also describe personal situations where someone feels constrained or pressured.
'卡脖子' is generally more informal, so it's better suited for spoken language or informal writing rather than formal documents.
