Learn a Chinese Character - 罐

1. Character Basics

Radical: 缶/fǒu (pottery), 雚/guàn (reed)

Stroke Count: 23

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Guàn (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Jar; pot; can; vessel; container; bottle; flask; jug; basin; urn; tank; barrel; cask; pitcher; bottle; flask; container for holding liquids or solids

Extended Meaning: Canister; tin; box; case; package; receptacle; container; vessel; utensil; implement; tool; instrument; device; apparatus; equipment; machinery; mechanism; appliance; gadget; contraption

Additional Meaning: Canned; bottled; jarred; preserved; packed; stored; contained; enclosed; sealed; wrapped; packaged; bottled up; canned goods; bottled water; jarred food

4. Common Words

• 罐子 (guàn zi) - Jar; pot; can
  Example: 把茶叶放在罐子里保存。 (Bǎ cháyè fàng zài guànzi lǐ bǎocún.) - Keep the tea leaves in a jar.
• 罐头 (guàn tou) - Can; canned food
  Example: 超市里有各种罐头食品。 (Chāoshì lǐ yǒu gèzhǒng guàntou shípǐn.) - There are various canned foods in the supermarket.
• 陶罐 (táo guàn) - Pottery jar; clay pot
  Example: 这个陶罐是古代的文物。 (Zhège táoguàn shì gǔdài de wénwù.) - This pottery jar is an ancient cultural relic.
• 油罐 (yóu guàn) - Oil tank; oil can
  Example: 汽车后备箱里有一个备用油罐。 (Qìchē hòubèixiāng lǐ yǒu yīgè bèiyòng yóuguàn.) - There's a spare oil can in the car trunk.
• 暖罐 (nuǎn guàn) - Hot water bottle
  Example: 冬天我用暖罐暖手。 (Dōngtiān wǒ yòng nuǎnguàn nuǎn shǒu.) - I use a hot water bottle to warm my hands in winter.

5. Grammar & Usage

Noun Usage:

• 罐 + 子: 罐子 (guànzi) - Jar; pot
• 材质 + 罐: 铁罐 (tiěguàn) - Iron can; steel can
• 用途 + 罐: 酒罐 (jiǔguàn) - Wine jar
• 形状 + 罐: 圆罐 (yuánguàn) - Round can
• 量词 + 罐: 一罐 (yīguàn) - One can/jar

Common Structures:

• 罐头食品 (guàntou shípǐn) - Canned food
• 罐装饮料 (guànzhuāng yǐnliào) - Canned beverage
• 打开罐子 (dǎkāi guànzi) - Open the jar
• 装满罐子 (zhuāngmǎn guànzi) - Fill the jar
• 密封罐子 (mìfēng guànzi) - Seal the jar

6. Cultural Background

在中国传统文化中，罐子等容器有着重要的地位，不仅用于储存食物和水，还常作为艺术品和礼器。例如，青铜器时代的各种青铜罐是权力和地位的象征。陶瓷罐子也是中国传统工艺的重要组成部分，如青花瓷罐、彩陶罐等，体现了中华民族的审美和智慧。在现代，罐装食品的普及改变了人们的生活方式，也反映了食品工业的发展。

In traditional Chinese culture, containers like jars have played an important role, not only for storing food and water but also often as works of art and ritual vessels. For example, various bronze jars from the Bronze Age were symbols of power and status. Ceramic jars are also an important part of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, such as blue and white porcelain jars and colored pottery jars, embodying the aesthetics and wisdom of the Chinese nation. In modern times, the popularity of canned food has changed people's lifestyles and also reflects the development of the food industry.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Component Decomposition: "罐" consists of "缶" (pottery) and "雚" (reed). You can imagine a pottery container made from reeds.
2. Phonetic Association: The pronunciation of "罐" is similar to "灌" (guàn). Remember that "罐" is the container used for "灌" (pouring).
3. Visual Imagery: Imagine a jar or can that you use in daily life, such as a food can or a water bottle.
4. Associate Similar Characters: Characters related to "罐" include "灌" (guàn, pour), "鹳" (guàn, stork), and "鑵" (guàn, metal pot). Remember the differences between them.
5. Practice Common Words: Practicing common words like "罐子" (jar), "罐头" (can), and "油罐" (oil tank) can help strengthen memory.