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交锋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
交锋jiāofēngto cross swordsHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #19744, Very Hard
交锋jiāofēngto have a confrontation (with sb)HSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #19744, Very Hard
jiāofēng(jiao1feng1)jiao feng T1
  1. 1to cross swords
  2. 2to have a confrontation (with sb)
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March 24, 2026

交锋(交鋒)jiāofēng(jiao1feng1)

交锋 (jiāo fēng) refers to the act of engaging in a confrontation or conflict, often used in contexts of debate, argument, or competition. It implies a direct clash of ideas, opinions, or physical combat, suggesting a dynamic interaction between opposing forces.

Strokes18Frequency#19744DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 交锋 can often be seen in traditional martial arts, where a duel is not only physical but also a battle of wits and strategy. The term encapsulates the idea of respect between opponents, where the confrontation is seen as a means of personal growth and honor.

Memory tip

Think of 交 (jiāo) as a 'crossing' or 'intersecting' and 锋 (fēng) as 'sharp edge' or 'point.' Imagine two swords crossing each other, representing the confrontation implied in the term. Visualize a dramatic duel where each opponent is trying to outmaneuver the other, reinforcing the idea of 'crossing swords.'

Meanings of 交锋

jiāofēng(jiao1feng1)
1to cross swords
2to have a confrontation (with sb)
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About 交锋

交锋Simplified
交鋒Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 交锋

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AI study notes for 交锋

Quick Contrast

争论 (zhēnglùn) — use 交锋 for a more dynamic or confrontational context, while 争论 is more about discussion or debate without the same intensity.

Usage Notes

This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about debates or competitions. Avoid using it in overly casual situations as it might carry a connotation of seriousness or intensity. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the first tone for 交 and the first tone for 锋.

HSK Study Tips

While 交锋 is not an HSK vocabulary word, understanding its components can help learners at HSK Level 4 and above to enrich their vocabulary related to conflict and debate. Focus on the radicals 交 and 锋 to relate them to other words like 交流 (communication) and 锋利 (sharp).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 交锋 with 交谈 (to converse), using it in contexts where casual discussion is intended. For example, saying '我们可以交锋' instead of '我们可以交谈' would imply a confrontation rather than a friendly chat.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 交锋

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Component characters

交jiāoto hand over
HSK 46 strokes亠
View full entry
锋fēngpoint of a spear
12 strokes钅
View full entry

How to say to cross swords in Chinese

“to cross swords” in Chinese is交锋jiāofēng

交锋 (jiāo fēng) refers to the act of engaging in a confrontation or conflict, often used in contexts of debate, argument, or competition. It implies a direct clash of ideas, opinions, or physical combat, suggesting a dynamic interaction between opposing forces.

When to use 交锋

This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about debates or competitions. Avoid using it in overly casual situations as it might carry a connotation of seriousness or intensity. Be cautious with pronunciation, ensuring the first tone for 交 and the first tone for 锋.

交锋 or something close to it

争论 (zhēnglùn) — use 交锋 for a more dynamic or confrontational context, while 争论 is more about discussion or debate without the same intensity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 交锋 with 交谈 (to converse), using it in contexts where casual discussion is intended. For example, saying '我们可以交锋' instead of '我们可以交谈' would imply a confrontation rather than a friendly chat.

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交
锋

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Frequently asked questions about 交锋

No, 交锋 can be used for verbal confrontations or debates as well, highlighting conflicts of ideas.

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