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手枪 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
手枪shǒuqiāngpistolHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #3454, Very Hard
shǒuqiāng(shou3qiang1)shou qiang T3
  1. 1pistol
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March 24, 2026

手枪(手槍)shǒuqiāng(shou3qiang1)

手枪 (shǒuqiāng) refers to a pistol, which is a type of firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand. This term is commonly used in contexts related to law enforcement, military, and personal defense, highlighting the weapon's portability and ease of use.

Strokes12Frequency#3454DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, the ownership and use of firearms, including handguns, are heavily regulated, making discussions about '手枪' often linked to crime, law enforcement, and public safety.

Memory tip

Imagine holding a small gun in your hand (手 shǒu means 'hand') while aiming it at a target. The character 枪 (qiāng) resembles the shape of a gun barrel, helping you visualize its meaning and remember the pronunciation.

Meanings of 手枪

shǒuqiāng(shou3qiang1)
1pistol
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 手枪

手枪Simplified
手槍Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
把Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 手枪

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AI study notes for 手枪

Quick Contrast

手枪 (shǒuqiāng) vs 枪 (qiāng) — use 手枪 for specific reference to a pistol, while 枪 refers to firearms in general.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone; '枪' is pronounced with a high level tone (qiāng), while '手' is a low falling tone (shǒu). This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as law enforcement discussions, rather than casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

While '手枪' is not a standard HSK vocabulary word, it connects with HSK Level 3 and 4 topics related to safety and law. Students should focus on understanding the components of the word and its usage in specific contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '手枪' with '枪' and may incorrectly use just '枪' to refer to a pistol. Remember that '手枪' specifically denotes a handgun, while '枪' can refer to any type of gun.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 手枪

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Component characters

手shǒuhand
HSK 24 strokes手
View full entry
枪qiānggun
HSK 68 strokes木
View full entry

How to say pistol in Chinese

“pistol” in Chinese is手枪shǒuqiāng

手枪 (shǒuqiāng) refers to a pistol, which is a type of firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand. This term is commonly used in contexts related to law enforcement, military, and personal defense, highlighting the weapon's portability and ease of use.

When to use 手枪

Be cautious with the tone; '枪' is pronounced with a high level tone (qiāng), while '手' is a low falling tone (shǒu). This term is typically used in formal contexts, such as law enforcement discussions, rather than casual conversation.

手枪 or something close to it

手枪 (shǒuqiāng) vs 枪 (qiāng) — use 手枪 for specific reference to a pistol, while 枪 refers to firearms in general.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '手枪' with '枪' and may incorrectly use just '枪' to refer to a pistol. Remember that '手枪' specifically denotes a handgun, while '枪' can refer to any type of gun.

Write 手枪

手
枪

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Frequently asked questions about 手枪

No, it's primarily used in contexts related to law, security, or military discussions.

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