Meanings of 家伙
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Podcast: 家伙
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AI Study Notes for 家伙
家伙 (guy) vs 东西 (thing) — use 家伙 when emphasizing a person or informal connection, while 东西 is more neutral and can refer to objects.
家伙 is often used in informal contexts, so it's best to avoid it in formal situations. A common mistake is using it too literally when referring to people; remember it conveys a sense of familiarity. Typical collocations include '这个家伙' (this guy) or '家伙们' (the guys).
As an HSK 6 word, 家伙 connects with other colloquial expressions and informal vocabulary. Students should focus on its nuanced meanings and different contexts of usage, especially in casual conversations.
Learners often confuse 家伙 with more formal terms for 'person', leading to awkwardness in conversations. For example, saying '这是我的家伙' (This is my guy) might sound too casual in a formal setting; instead, use '这是我的朋友' (This is my friend).
Pronunciation of 家伙
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Jason Explains 家伙 to You
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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.
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Component Characters
How to say domestic animal in Chinese
“domestic animal” in Chinese is家伙
The term 家伙 (jiā huǒ) can refer to a domestic animal or colloquially to a 'guy' or 'chap'. In casual conversation, it often implies a sense of familiarity or camaraderie among peers, and can also be used to describe a weapon, emphasizing its informal usage.
When to use 家伙
家伙 is often used in informal contexts, so it's best to avoid it in formal situations. A common mistake is using it too literally when referring to people; remember it conveys a sense of familiarity. Typical collocations include '这个家伙' (this guy) or '家伙们' (the guys).
家伙 or something close to it
家伙 (guy) vs 东西 (thing) — use 家伙 when emphasizing a person or informal connection, while 东西 is more neutral and can refer to objects.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 家伙 with more formal terms for 'person', leading to awkwardness in conversations. For example, saying '这是我的家伙' (This is my guy) might sound too casual in a formal setting; instead, use '这是我的朋友' (This is my friend).
Write 家伙
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Practice writing 家伙 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 家伙
家伙 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.
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这____把事情全都料理妥当了，真是干得不错。
The man did one helluva job getting it all together.
Example Sentences for 家伙 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 家伙
No, 家伙 is best reserved for informal situations among friends.
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