HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13884, Hard
桨
jiǎng
paddle
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #13884, Hard
jiǎng(jiang3) T3
1oar
2paddle
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March 24, 2026
桨(槳)jiǎng(jiang3)
The character 桨 (jiǎng) refers to a type of implement used for propelling a boat through water, commonly known as an oar or paddle. It is used in contexts related to boating, canoeing, and kayaking, emphasizing its role in navigation and movement across water. This term can also imply the action of paddling itself.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#13884DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, water activities such as dragon boat racing are significant, and 桨 (jiǎng) is an essential tool in these traditional events. The importance of teamwork and coordination in such races reflects broader cultural values of cooperation and community.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large paddle (桨) cutting through the water as you row. The character has a radical 木 (wood) on the left, indicating that oars are typically made of wood. Visualize a scene where you're using a wooden oar to navigate a serene lake, hearing the splash as you push through the water.
Meanings of 桨
jiǎng(jiang3)
1oar
2paddle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 桨
桨Simplified
槳Traditional
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13884Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 桨
Podcast: 桨
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AI Study Notes for 桨
Quick Contrast
桨 (jiǎng) vs 划桨 (huá jiǎng) — use 桨 when referring specifically to the oar itself, while 划桨 emphasizes the action of paddling with the oar.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large paddle (桨) cutting through the water as you row. The character has a radical 木 (wood) on the left, indicating that oars are typically made of wood. Visualize a scene where you're using a wooden oar to navigate a serene lake, hearing the splash as you push through the water.
Usage Notes
When using 桨 (jiǎng), it's important to remember that it is a noun and often appears in phrases related to water sports or boating. A common mistake is to confuse it with 划 (huá), which means 'to row' or 'to paddle,' as they are closely related but serve different grammatical functions. The term is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 桨 (jiǎng) connects with other boating and water-related vocabulary. Learners should focus on its usage in compound words or phrases, such as 划桨 (huá jiǎng, to row with an oar), to enhance their understanding of context and collocation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, water activities such as dragon boat racing are significant, and 桨 (jiǎng) is an essential tool in these traditional events. The importance of teamwork and coordination in such races reflects broader cultural values of cooperation and community.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 桨 (jiǎng) with 船 (chuán), which means 'boat.' For example, saying '我有一个桨' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè jiǎng - I have a boat) is incorrect; it should be '我有一只船' (Wǒ yǒu yī zhī chuán).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 桨
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Grammar Patterns of 桨
桨 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
伴随着隆隆的低沉噪声，螺旋____开始旋转起来。
With a low-pitched rumbling noise, the propeller began to rotate.
Paddles are used especially to propel canoes and kayaks.
8
每个人划了一小时桨,然后休息.
měi gè rén huá le yī xiǎo shí jiǎng, , rán hòu xiū.
Each man had a paddle for an hour and then a rest.
9
他们每分钟划40桨.
tā mén měi fēn zhōng huá40 40.
They rowed 40 to the minute.
10
这只船用六把桨划.
zhè zhī chuán yòng liù bǎ jiǎng huá.
This boat pulls [ rows ] six oars.
Cultural Notes for 桨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, water activities such as dragon boat racing are significant, and 桨 (jiǎng) is an essential tool in these traditional events. The importance of teamwork and coordination in such races reflects broader cultural values of cooperation and community.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While the concept of using an oar is universal, the cultural significance and types of watercraft vary; for instance, dragon boat racing is unique to Chinese culture, whereas kayaking is more prevalent in Western contexts.
Word Family of 桨
Words Containing This Character3
桨jiǎngoar槳
螺旋桨propeller螺旋槳
划桨to paddle划槳
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 桨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 桨
桨 (jiǎng) refers specifically to the oar or paddle, while 划 (huá) is the verb meaning 'to row' or 'to paddle'.
Generally, 桨 (jiǎng) is used literally to refer to physical paddles or oars, but in poetic contexts, it might symbolize guidance or movement.
The pronunciation is 'jiǎng' with a third tone, which can often be challenging; practice by emphasizing the dip in the tone.
