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家伙 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
家伙
jiāhuo
domestic animal
HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #266, Very Hard
家伙
jiāhuo
(coll.) guy
HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #266, Very Hard
家伙
jiāhuo
chap
HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #266, Very Hard
家伙
jiāhuo
weapon
HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #266, Very Hard
jiāhuo(jia1huo5)jia huo T1
1domestic animal
2(coll.) guy
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
家伙(傢伙)jiāhuo(jia1huo5)
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.
Strokes16Frequency#266DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, using 家伙 to refer to friends or peers reflects the importance of social bonds and camaraderie. It embodies a sense of warmth and familiarity that is cherished in social interactions.
Memory tip
Imagine a friendly pet (家) that you consider a companion (伙). Picture this pet as a loyal 'guy' that always stands by your side, making it easier to remember that 家伙 refers to both animals and friends.
Meanings of 家伙
jiāhuo(jia1huo5)
1domestic animal
2(coll.) guy
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 家伙
家伙Simplified
傢伙Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#266Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 家伙
Podcast: 家伙
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AI study notes for 家伙
Quick Contrast
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.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Common Mistakes
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).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 家伙
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Learning Lab
Knowing 家伙 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.
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
家
伙
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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.
