Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
狼láng(lang2)
The character 狼 (láng) means 'wolf' in Mandarin. It is used to refer to the animal itself and can also appear in various idiomatic expressions or metaphorical contexts, often symbolizing cunning or ferocity. Commonly, it is used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing wildlife or behaviors akin to a wolf.
Strokes10Radical犭Frequency#2091DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wolves often symbolize cunning and aggression. The phrase '狼心狗肺' (láng xīn gǒu fèi), meaning 'wolf-hearted and dog-lunged,' describes someone who is treacherous and ungrateful.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fierce wolf howling at the moon. The character 狼 looks like a wolf's face with sharp ears (the radical 犭, meaning 'dog' or 'animal') and the rest of the character conveys its wild nature. Remembering the sound 'láng' can be linked to 'long' in English, as in a long, wild howl.
Meanings of 狼
láng(lang2)
1wolf
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 狼
狼Simplified
10Strokes
犭Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2091Frequency Rank
匹Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 狼
Podcast: 狼
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 狼
Quick Contrast
狼 (láng, wolf) vs 狐 (hú, fox) — use 狼 when referring to a wolf specifically, while 狐 refers to a fox, a different animal with distinct connotations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fierce wolf howling at the moon. The character 狼 looks like a wolf's face with sharp ears (the radical 犭, meaning 'dog' or 'animal') and the rest of the character conveys its wild nature. Remembering the sound 'láng' can be linked to 'long' in English, as in a long, wild howl.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 狼 with other animals, such as 狗 (gǒu - dog). Pay attention to the context to avoid mix-ups. It's also important to note the different measure words: use 匹 (pǐ) for a pair or group, and 条 (tiáo) when referring to wolves in a more abstract sense.
HSK Study Tips
Although 狼 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects with other animal-related words at lower levels. Focus on its pronunciation and common collocations, such as 狼群 (lángqún - wolf pack) to enhance your vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wolves often symbolize cunning and aggression. The phrase '狼心狗肺' (láng xīn gǒu fèi), meaning 'wolf-hearted and dog-lunged,' describes someone who is treacherous and ungrateful.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use the wrong measure word; for example, saying 一只狼 (yī zhī láng) instead of 一匹狼 (yī pǐ láng) for 'a wolf'. Always check the context for the correct measure word.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 狼
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 狼 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 狼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 狼
狼 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 3 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
Complete the Sentence
除了厨房特别干净外，这地方一片____藉。
Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess.
Example Sentences for 狼 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
除了厨房特别干净外，这地方一片狼藉。
chú le chú fáng tè bié gān jìng wài， ， zhè dì fāng yī piàn láng。
Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess.
2
警察伸手抚摸那只猎狼犬。
jǐng chá shēn shǒu fǔ mō nà zhī liè láng quǎn。
The policeman reached down and petted the wolfhound.
3
我狼吞虎咽地吃着那一大块牛排。
wǒ láng tūn hǔ yān dì chī zháo nà yī dà kuài niú pái。
The wolf clawed at the tree and howled the whole night.
8
他的办公室一片狼藉，文件成堆，烟灰满缸。
tā de bàn gōng shì yī piàn láng jiè， ， wén jiàn chéng， duī ， yān huī。
His office was a disaster area of papers and full ashtrays.
9
船里面一片狼藉。
chuán lǐ miàn yī piàn láng jiè。
The ship's interior was an utter shambles.
10
他说媒体就如同饿狼一般。
tā shuō méi tǐ jiù rú tóng è láng yī bān。
He says the media are ravening wolves.
Cultural Notes for 狼
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, wolves often symbolize cunning and aggression. The phrase '狼心狗肺' (láng xīn gǒu fèi), meaning 'wolf-hearted and dog-lunged,' describes someone who is treacherous and ungrateful.
Word Family of 狼
Words Containing This Character20
狼lángwolf
狼狈lángbèiin a difficult situation狼狽
色狼lecher
天狼星Sirius, a double star in constellation Canis Major 大犬座
狼藉in a mess
豺狼jackal and wolf
声名狼藉to have a bad reputation聲名狼藉
黄鼠狼Siberian weasel黃鼠狼
狼吞虎咽lángtūnhǔyànto gorge oneself狼吞虎嚥
狼狗wolfdog
狼狈为奸villains collude together (idiom); to work hand in glove with sb (to nefarious ends)狼狽為奸
大灰狼big bad wolf
狼狈不堪battered and exhausted狼狽不堪
如狼似虎ruthless
狼烟smoke signal indicating the presence of hostile forces狼煙
狼心狗肺cruel and unscrupulous
鬼哭狼嚎to wail like ghosts and howl like wolves (idiom)
白眼狼thankless wretch
引狼入室to show the wolf into the house (idiom)
狼子野心ambition of wild wolves (idiom); rapacious designs
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 狼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 狼
It is pronounced as 'láng' with a rising tone.
You can use 匹 (pǐ) for pairs or groups of wolves.
Yes, there are phrases like 狼狈 (láng bèi), which means to be in a difficult situation.
