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罐 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
罐
guàn
can
HSK 6, n, 23 strokes, radical 缶, rank #3003, Hard
罐
guàn
jar
HSK 6, n, 23 strokes, radical 缶, rank #3003, Hard
罐
guàn
pot
HSK 6, n, 23 strokes, radical 缶, rank #3003, Hard
罐
guàn
jar, jug, pitcher, pot
HSK 6, n, 23 strokes, radical 缶, rank #3003, Hard
guàn(guan4)guan T4
1can
2jar
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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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 罐 means.
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.
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).
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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How well do you know 罐?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 罐 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.
罐 = 缶 + 雚. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 罐
IDS Structure⿰缶雚
罐Full character
=
缶fou3
left
雚guan4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 罐?
How to say can in Chinese
“can” in Chinese is罐guàn
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.
When to use 罐
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).
罐 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 罐
罐
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Practice writing 罐 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我揭开一____辣椒的盖子。
I pried the top off a can of chilli.
Example sentences for 罐 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我揭开一罐辣椒的盖子。
wǒ jiē kāi yī guàn làjiāo de gàizi。
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 zhùcáng de yī guàn liàn rǔ wèi chá tiānjiā 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 lōng yī guàn píjiǔ， zìjǐ yě ná le yī guàn。
He tossed Malone a can of beer, and took one himself.
