Chinese Character: 歼
1. Character Basics
Radical: 歹/dǎi radical (death, damage)
Stroke Count: 7
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiān
Pronunciation Note: Pronounced with a high and level tone (first tone).
3. Meaning
annihilate, wipe out, destroy completely, exterminate, eliminate
4. Common Words
- 歼灭 (jiānmiè) - annihilate, wipe out - To completely destroy or eliminate an enemy force
- 歼击 (jiānjī) - attack and destroy - To attack and destroy an enemy, especially in military operations
- 围歼 (wéijiān) - encircle and annihilate - To surround and completely destroy an enemy force
- 全歼 (quánjiān) - completely annihilate - To destroy an entire enemy force without exception
- 歼敌 (jiāndí) - destroy the enemy - To kill or defeat enemy soldiers
- 歼击机 (jiānjījī) - fighter aircraft - A military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As a verb: "歼" is primarily used as a verb meaning to annihilate or wipe out, especially in military contexts.
2. In compound words: It is most commonly used in compound words related to destruction or elimination, such as "歼灭" (annihilate) and "歼击" (attack and destroy).
3. Formal and technical usage: "歼" is more commonly used in formal, technical, or military contexts rather than in everyday spoken language.
4. Object agreement: When used as a verb, "歼" typically takes an object referring to the force or group being destroyed, such as "敌军" (enemy troops) or "敌人" (enemy).
6. Cultural Background
The character "歼" has a long history in Chinese, with its basic meaning of destruction or annihilation dating back to ancient times. It is composed of the radical "歹" (which relates to death or damage) and the component "千" (thousand), which may symbolize destroying a large number of enemies. In Chinese military history and strategy, the concept of "歼" has been important, particularly in discussions of defeating enemy forces completely. The character is often found in historical texts, military treatises, and modern military terminology, reflecting its continued relevance in discussions of conflict and defense.
7. Example Sentence
解放军成功歼灭了入侵的敌军。
Pinyin: Jiěfàngjūn chénggōng jiānmièle rùqīn de díjūn.
Translation: The People's Liberation Army successfully annihilated the invading enemy troops.
8. Memory Tips
The character "歼" is composed of the radical "歹" (which relates to death or damage) and the component "千" (thousand). You can remember it by associating the "歹" radical with destruction and the "千" with a large number, so together they convey the idea of destroying a thousand enemies or causing widespread destruction. The pronunciation (jiān) is similar to other characters we've learned like "尖" and "坚", but with a very different meaning.