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参谋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
参谋cānmóustaff officerHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #18766, Very Hard
参谋cānmóuto give adviceHSK 7, v, 19 strokes, rank #18766, Very Hard
cānmóu(can1mou2)can mou T1
  1. 1staff officer
  2. 2to give advice
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March 24, 2026

参谋(參謀)cānmóu(can1mou2)

The term '参谋' refers to a staff officer, particularly one who provides advice or support in a military or strategic context. It can also mean to give counsel or guidance in various situations, emphasizing the role of an advisor who contributes to decision-making processes.

Strokes19Frequency#18766DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese military culture, the role of a '参谋' is crucial, often seen in historical contexts such as the Three Kingdoms period, where strategic advisors played pivotal roles in shaping battles and outcomes.

Memory tip

Think of '参' (can) as 'to join' and '谋' (mou) as 'to plot' or 'to scheme'. Imagine a military officer joining together plans with thoughtful strategies, which helps you remember both the meaning and pronunciation of the word.

Meanings of 参谋

cānmóu(can1mou2)
1staff officer
2to give advice
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 参谋

参谋Simplified
參謀Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#18766Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5BCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 参谋

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Podcast: 参谋

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AI Study Notes for 参谋

Quick Contrast

顾问 (gùwèn) vs 参谋 (cānmóu): Choose 参谋 when referring specifically to a military or strategic advisor, while 顾问 is more general and can refer to any type of consultant or advisor.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in military or strategic discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with '顾问' (gùwèn), which specifically means 'consultant'; '参谋' implies a more active role in strategy formation. Watch out for the tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 HSK word, '参谋' connects with other military and advisory terms. Focus on using it in sentences that involve advice or decision-making, as this will help reinforce its meaning and usage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '参谋' with '建议' (suggestion), using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我给你一个参谋' (I give you an advisor) instead of '我给你一个建议' (I give you a suggestion) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 参谋

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Component Characters

参cānginseng
HSK 28 strokes厶
View full entry
谋móuto plan
HSK 711 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say staff officer in Chinese

“staff officer” in Chinese is参谋cānmóu

The term '参谋' refers to a staff officer, particularly one who provides advice or support in a military or strategic context. It can also mean to give counsel or guidance in various situations, emphasizing the role of an advisor who contributes to decision-making processes.

When to use 参谋

This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in military or strategic discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with '顾问' (gùwèn), which specifically means 'consultant'; '参谋' implies a more active role in strategy formation. Watch out for the tones, as mispronouncing them can lead to misunderstandings.

参谋 or something close to it

顾问 (gùwèn) vs 参谋 (cānmóu): Choose 参谋 when referring specifically to a military or strategic advisor, while 顾问 is more general and can refer to any type of consultant or advisor.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '参谋' with '建议' (suggestion), using it incorrectly in casual contexts. For example, saying '我给你一个参谋' (I give you an advisor) instead of '我给你一个建议' (I give you a suggestion) is incorrect.

Write 参谋

参
谋

Practice writing 参谋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 参谋

参谋 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

我已经委派德圭因甘德准将担任第八集团军____长.

I have nominated Brigadier de Guingand as Chief of Staff Eighth Army.

Example Sentences for 参谋 (2)

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1
我已经委派德圭因甘德准将担任第八集团军参谋长.

wǒ yǐjīng wēi pài dé guī yīn Gān dé zhǔn jiāng dānrèn dì bā jítuán jūn cānmóu cháng.

I have nominated Brigadier de Guingand as Chief of Staff Eighth Army.
2
参谋官们骑着骏马一路疾驰而去。

cānmóu guān men qí zhe jùnmǎ yílù jí chí ér qù。

Staff officers galloped fine horses down the road.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 参谋

While it primarily refers to military staff officers, it can also be used in business or strategic discussions where advice is needed.

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