Learn a Chinese Character - 管

1. Character Basics

Radical: 竹/zhú (bamboo), 官/guān (official)

Stroke Count: 14

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Guǎn (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Pipe; tube; hose; pipe; tube; duct; conduit; cylinder; barrel; organ pipe; bamboo pipe; windpipe; trachea.

Extended Meaning: To manage; to control; to supervise; to take care of; to look after; to be in charge of; to govern; to administer; to regulate; to handle; to deal with; to be responsible for; to take charge; to manage affairs; to control a situation; to look after someone; to take care of something; to be in charge of a group; to manage a project; to regulate behavior; to control emotions; to handle a problem; to deal with an issue; to be responsible for a task.

Additional Meanings: To play (a wind instrument); to blow (a flute); to perform on (a musical instrument); to play a musical instrument; to blow a flute; to perform a tune; to play a melody; to play a song; to play an instrument.

4. Common Words

• 管理 (guǎn lǐ) - To manage; management

  Example: 他负责管理这个部门。 (He is responsible for managing this department.)

• 水管 (shuǐ guǎn) - Water pipe

  Example: 水管坏了，需要修理。 (The water pipe is broken and needs to be repaired.)

• 不管 (bù guǎn) - No matter; regardless of

  Example: 不管天气如何，我们都要去。 (No matter the weather, we have to go.)

• 管家 (guǎn jiā) - Housekeeper; steward

  Example: 他们家有一个好管家。 (They have a good housekeeper.)

• 管弦乐 (guǎn xián yuè) - Orchestral music

  Example: 我喜欢听管弦乐。 (I like listening to orchestral music.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Verb Usage:

• 管 + Object: To manage or take care of something

  Example: 管孩子 (take care of children), 管钱 (manage money)

• 管 + 得/不 + Adj: To be able or unable to manage something

  Example: 管得住 (can manage), 管不了 (cannot manage)

• 管 + for: To take care of

  Example: 管吃管住 (provide food and accommodation)

Noun Usage:

• Type + 管: A specific type of pipe or tube

  Example: 钢管 (steel pipe), 塑料管 (plastic pipe)

• 量詞 (Measure Word): For certain cylindrical objects

  Example: 一管牙膏 (a tube of toothpaste)

Common structures:

• 不管...都/也...: No matter... still/also...

  Example: 不管多累，他都坚持工作。 (No matter how tired he is, he still persists in working.)

• 管...叫...: To call someone/something...

  Example: 我们管他叫老张。 (We call him Lao Zhang.)

• 只管...: Just go ahead and...

  Example: 你只管说，我听着。 (Just say it, I'm listening.)

6. Cultural Background

The character "管" (guǎn) has rich cultural significance in Chinese history and society. Originally, it referred to a bamboo pipe or tube, which was one of the earliest musical instruments in ancient China.

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of "管" evolved to include management and control, reflecting the importance of order and hierarchy in Chinese society. The extended meaning of "管" as "to manage" or "to control" is deeply rooted in Confucian ideals of governance and responsibility.

The structure of "管" - with "竹" (bamboo) and "官" (official) - symbolizes the connection between nature (bamboo) and governance (official). This reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature while maintaining social order.

In Chinese idioms and proverbs, "管" appears in many expressions related to management and responsibility. For example, "管家理财" (guǎn jiā lǐ cái) means to manage household affairs and finances, and "不管不顾" (bù guǎn bù gù) means to be reckless or unconcerned about others.

Musically, "管" is still used today in traditional Chinese orchestras to refer to wind instruments, such as the dizi (bamboo flute) and suona (double-reed horn). This connection to music highlights the cultural importance of the arts in Chinese society.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Breakdown:

The character "管" (guǎn) is composed of two parts: "竹" (zhú - bamboo) and "官" (guān - official). You can remember it as "a bamboo pipe (竹) that was historically used by officials (官)" or "something related to bamboo (竹) that officials (官) manage."

2. Phonetic Association:

Think of the English word "guan" (similar to "gun" but with an "a" sound) and add a rising-falling (third) tone. This can help you remember the pronunciation "guǎn".

3. Visual Image:

Picture a bamboo pipe or tube, which relates to the original meaning of "管". You can also visualize someone managing or controlling something, which relates to the extended meaning.

4. Group with Similar Characters:

Associate "管" with other characters that contain "官" such as "馆" (guǎn - hall/restaurant) and "棺" (guān - coffin). While their meanings are different, their similar pronunciation can help with memorization.

5. Practice with Common Words:

Write and say words containing "管" such as "管理" (management), "水管" (water pipe), and "不管" (regardless of). Repetition with context will help solidify your memory of the character.