Meanings of 司令
By ear
Play it, then pick what 司令 means.
About 司令
Podcast: 司令
Podcast: 司令
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 司令
指挥 (zhǐhuī) vs 司令 (sīlìng): 指挥 emphasizes the act of directing or commanding operations, while 司令 specifically refers to a commanding officer with authority over troops.
Be cautious with the tone; 司令 is pronounced with a high (first) tone followed by a falling (fourth) tone. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 司令部 (sīlìngbù - command headquarters) and 空军司令 (kōngjūn sīlìng - air force commander).
As an HSK 6 word, 司令 connects well with other military-related vocabulary such as 军队 (jūnduì - army) and 指挥 (zhǐhuī - command). Students should focus on understanding its usage in both military and organizational contexts.
Learners often confuse 司令 with similar terms like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leader) and may use them interchangeably. Remember, 司令 is specifically for military or high-command contexts, while 领导 is broader and can apply to any leader.
Pronunciation of 司令
Drill the tone of 司令, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 司令 to you
Let me explain 司令 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 司令 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 司令?
Learning Lab
Knowing 司令 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say commanding officer in Chinese
“commanding officer” in Chinese is司令
司令 (sīlìng) refers to a commanding officer, usually in a military context. This term is commonly used to denote someone who has authority over troops or operations, and it can also be applied in a broader sense to leaders in various organizations or contexts.
When to use 司令
Be cautious with the tone; 司令 is pronounced with a high (first) tone followed by a falling (fourth) tone. It is generally used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 司令部 (sīlìngbù - command headquarters) and 空军司令 (kōngjūn sīlìng - air force commander).
司令 or something close to it
指挥 (zhǐhuī) vs 司令 (sīlìng): 指挥 emphasizes the act of directing or commanding operations, while 司令 specifically refers to a commanding officer with authority over troops.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 司令 with similar terms like 领导 (lǐngdǎo - leader) and may use them interchangeably. Remember, 司令 is specifically for military or high-command contexts, while 领导 is broader and can apply to any leader.
Write 司令
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 司令 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 司令
司令 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
蒙博托出身行伍，通过一级级晋升，最终成为了陆军____。
Mobutu ascended through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the army.
Example sentences for 司令 (5)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 司令?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 司令
While it is primarily used in military settings, it can also refer to leaders in various organizations.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 司令?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.