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March 24, 2026
罐guàn(guan4)
The character 罐 (guàn) refers to a container, typically made of metal or ceramic, used for holding liquids or other substances. It is commonly used to denote cans, jars, and pots in various contexts, such as cooking or storage. The term emphasizes the idea of containment and is often seen in culinary or industrial settings.
Strokes23Radical缶Frequency#3003DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of jars and pots is significant in traditional cooking methods, such as fermenting foods or storing ingredients. For example, the popular dish 酱油 (jiàng yóu - soy sauce) is often stored in large ceramic jars that symbolize preservation and flavor.
Memory Tip
Imagine a shiny metal can (罐) filled with your favorite drink. The character has a container radical (罐) that looks like it is holding something inside, and the pronunciation 'guàn' sounds like 'gone' when you drink it all—it's gone!
Meanings of 罐
guàn(guan4)
1can
2jar
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 罐
罐Simplified
23Strokes
缶Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3003Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 罐
Podcast: 罐
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AI Study Notes for 罐
Quick Contrast
罐 (guàn) vs 瓶 (píng): Use 罐 for containers typically made of metal or ceramic, while 瓶 refers specifically to bottles, often made of glass.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a shiny metal can (罐) filled with your favorite drink. The character has a container radical (罐) that looks like it is holding something inside, and the pronunciation 'guàn' sounds like 'gone' when you drink it all—it's gone!
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 罐 (guàn) with other similar characters that refer to different types of containers. This word is neutral in tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially in culinary discussions. Common collocations include 罐头 (guàn tóu - canned food) and 水罐 (shuǐ guàn - water jug).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 罐 connects with other words related to containers and measurements. Students should focus on the various contexts in which containers are discussed, particularly in cooking or shopping scenarios. Familiarize yourself with related vocabulary like 瓶 (píng - bottle) and 盒 (hé - box).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the use of jars and pots is significant in traditional cooking methods, such as fermenting foods or storing ingredients. For example, the popular dish 酱油 (jiàng yóu - soy sauce) is often stored in large ceramic jars that symbolize preservation and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 罐 (guàn) with similar characters like 瓶 (píng) and 盒 (hé), which refer to different types of containers. For example, saying '我有一个瓶' (I have a can) instead of '我有一个罐' is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 罐
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Grammar Patterns of 罐
罐 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 4 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
我揭开一____辣椒的盖子。
I pried the top off a can of chilli.
Example Sentences for 罐 (10)
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1
我揭开一罐辣椒的盖子。
wǒ jiē kāi yī guàn là jiāo de gài zǐ。
I pried the top off a can of chilli.
2
用贮藏的一罐炼乳为茶添加了甜味。
yòng zhù cáng de yī guàn liàn rǔ wéi chá tiān jiā le tián wèi。
The tea was sweetened with a hoarded tin of condensed milk.
3
他扔给马隆一罐啤酒，自己也拿了一罐。
tā rēng gěi mǎ lóng yī guàn pí jiǔ， ， zì jǐ yě ná le yī。
He tossed Malone a can of beer, and took one himself.
4
在我进城时提醒我再买一罐喷发定型剂, 好 吗 ?
zài wǒ jìn chéng shí tí xǐng wǒ zài mǎi yī guàn pēn fā dìng xíng jì, , hǎo?
Remind me to buy another hairspray when I'm in town, would you?
5
那只罐子的口沿有条极细的裂缝。
nà zhī guàn zǐ de kǒu yán yǒu tiáo jí xì de liè féng。
There's a hairline crack in the rim of that jar.
6
她那擦得干干净净的架子上排列着几百个果酱罐。
tā nà cā dé gān gān jìng jìng de jià zǐ shàng pái liè zháo jī bǎi gè guǒ jiàng guàn。
Hundreds of jam pots lined her scrubbed shelves.
7
为什么不把它全扔进罐子，看看会发生什么变化？
wéi shí mó bù bǎ tā quán rēng jìn guàn zǐ， ， kàn kàn huì fā shēng shí mó biàn？
Why not throw it all in the pot and see what happens?
8
大火当时有可能把货船上的油罐烧漏了，从而引燃原油。
dà huǒ dāng shí yǒu kě néng bǎ huò chuán shàng de yóu guàn shāo lòu le， ， cóng ér yǐn rán yuán。
Fire may have breached the cargo tanks and set the oil ablaze.
9
她不小心把架子上的茶叶罐碰了下来。
tā bù xiǎo xīn bǎ jià zǐ shàng de chá yè guàn pèng le xià lái。
She accidentally knocked the tea tin off the shelf.
10
他伸手去够身后架子上的一罐烟叶。
tā shēn shǒu qù gòu shēn hòu jià zǐ shàng de yī guàn yān yè。
He reached for a tin of tobacco on the shelf behind him.
Cultural Notes for 罐
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the use of jars and pots is significant in traditional cooking methods, such as fermenting foods or storing ingredients. For example, the popular dish 酱油 (jiàng yóu - soy sauce) is often stored in large ceramic jars that symbolize preservation and flavor.
Word Family of 罐
Words Containing This Character12
罐guàncan
罐头guàntoutin罐頭
罐子jar
易拉罐yìlāguànpull-top can
罐车tanker truck罐車
罐装canned (food, coffee etc)罐裝
拔罐cupping glass
水罐container for holding and pouring water (or other liquid): jug, pitcher, clay jar, jerry can, water bottle etc
拔火罐detachable suction chimney to make a stove draw
蜜罐honey pot
储气罐gas canister儲氣罐
破罐破摔lit. to smash a cracked pot (idiom); crazy despair in the face of a blemish, defect, error or setback
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 罐 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 罐
罐 refers to a can or jar, typically for solid or liquid substances, while 瓶 specifically means bottle, usually for liquids.
Yes, 罐 can refer to any container, but it is most commonly associated with food items like canned goods.
