Chinese Character: 桨
1. Character Basics
Radical: 木/mù radical (木字旁)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiǎng (third tone)
3. Meaning
oar, paddle
4. Common Words
- 船桨 (chuán jiǎng) - boat oar
- 划桨 (huá jiǎng) - to row, to paddle
- 木桨 (mù jiǎng) - wooden oar
- 双桨 (shuāng jiǎng) - double oars
- 船桨手 (chuán jiǎng shǒu) - rower, oarsman
- 摇桨 (yáo jiǎng) - to shake the oar, to row
5. Grammar & Usage
桨 is primarily used as a noun meaning "oar" or "paddle," which is a tool used to propel a boat through water. It is most commonly found in compound words related to boating and water transportation.
The character 桨 is often combined with other characters to form compound nouns such as 船桨 (boat oar) and 木桨 (wooden oar). These compounds clearly indicate the specific type or use of the oar.
When used in verbs, 桨 is typically part of compound verbs like 划桨 (to row) and 摇桨 (to shake the oar). These verbs describe the action of using an oar to move a boat.
In Chinese, the character 桨 is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions, but it is an important term in nautical and boating vocabulary, as well as in literature and poetry that involves water or boating themes.
6. Cultural Background
The 桨 (oar) has played a significant role in Chinese culture and history, particularly in regions with extensive waterways like the Yangtze River and the southern provinces. For thousands of years, oars have been essential tools for transportation, fishing, and trade.
Traditional Chinese boats, such as the dragon boats used in the Dragon Boat Festival, rely heavily on oars for propulsion. The Dragon Boat Festival, which has a history of over 2,000 years, features competitive boat races where teams of rowers use their oars in perfect synchronization.
In Chinese literature and art, the 桨 is often used as a symbol of a leisurely or contemplative journey. Poets and painters have depicted scenes of boats with oars gliding through misty rivers, evoking a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.
The character 桨 is composed of 木 (mù, wood) and 将 (jiāng). The wooden radical (木) indicates that traditional oars were typically made of wood, while the right part (将) provides the pronunciation. This structure reflects the practical and functional nature of this essential tool in Chinese culture.
7. Example Sentence
句子 (jù zi): 他用力划动船桨，小船很快就靠岸了。
Pronunciation (pīn yīn): Tā yòng lì huá dòng chuán jiǎng, xiǎo chuán hěn kuài jiù kào àn le.
Translation (fān yì): He rowed the boat vigorously, and the small boat quickly reached the shore.
8. Memory Tips
The character 桨 is composed of two parts: 木 (mù, wood) on the left and 将 (jiāng) on the right. The wooden radical (木) indicates that an oar is typically made of wood.
To remember 桨, you can think of a wooden (木) tool that helps "drive" (将) a boat forward. This connects the meaning of an oar with the components of the character.
Another memory aid: Imagine a wooden oar (木) being used to "carry" (将) a boat across water. The right part (将) can also remind you of the pronunciation "jiǎng."