Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== wǔqì: 武器 - Weapon, Arms, Armament ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** wǔqì, 武器, Chinese for weapon, what is wuqi, wuqi meaning, arms in Chinese, armament, Chinese military terms, learn Chinese weapon, wushu weapon. * **Summary:** Discover the Chinese word for weapon, **武器 (wǔqì)**, a fundamental term for understanding discussions about history, conflict, and even video games. This guide breaks down the meaning of **wǔqì**, its cultural significance in ancient and modern China, and its practical use in everyday conversation. Learn the difference between **wǔqì** and other related terms, and master its usage with dozens of clear examples, from ancient arms to metaphorical weapons. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** wǔqì * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 * **Concise Definition:** A device, implement, or tool used for fighting, attack, or defense. * **In a Nutshell:** **武器 (wǔqì)** is the direct and most common equivalent of the English word "weapon." It's a broad, neutral term that covers everything from a simple knife or club to a sophisticated fighter jet or nuclear bomb. If you can use it to fight, it can be called a **武器**. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **武 (wǔ):** This character relates to all things "martial," "military," or "warlike." A popular and insightful interpretation of its components suggests its deeper meaning: it's made of 戈 (gē), an ancient dagger-axe, and 止 (zhǐ), meaning "to stop." Thus, **武** can be understood not just as fighting, but as the power "to stop conflict" or "to cease hostilities," a core ideal in traditional Chinese martial philosophy. * **器 (qì):** This character means "tool," "implement," "utensil," or "device." It refers to any man-made object with a specific function. * Together, **武 (wǔ) + 器 (qì)** literally translate to "martial tool" or "military implement," perfectly capturing the modern meaning of "weapon." ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== The concept of **武器 (wǔqì)** holds a dual significance in China, rooted in its long history and shaped by its modern political philosophy. In classical Chinese culture, **武器** are central to countless historical epics, martial arts legends (wǔxiá, 武侠), and philosophical discussions. Famous literary works like *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* lionize heroes not just for their strategy, but for their mastery of unique weapons. The philosophy behind martial arts (武术, wǔshù) often emphasizes that the ultimate goal of mastering a weapon is not to seek violence, but to cultivate discipline and the strength to protect peace—the idea of "stopping the fight" (止戈) embedded in the character **武 (wǔ)**. In stark contrast to American culture and its "right to bear arms," modern China enforces extremely strict laws on private weapon ownership. For the average citizen, possessing a firearm is nearly impossible. This reflects a core societal and governmental value: social stability (稳定, wěndìng) and collective safety are prioritized over individual rights to own weapons. Therefore, in modern daily life, **武器** are things you see in movies, read about in the news (in a military context), or encounter in video games, but almost never in a neighbor's home. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **武器 (wǔqì)** is a common term used in a variety of neutral contexts. * **Formal/News Media:** This is the most frequent context. News reports on international relations, military developments, or defense policy will constantly use **武器**. For example, "大规模杀伤性武器" (dàguīmó shāshāng xìng wǔqì - weapons of mass destruction). * **Historical/Museum Context:** When discussing ancient warfare or viewing artifacts, **武器** is the appropriate term. For example, "古代的冷兵器" (gǔdài de lěng bīngqì - ancient cold weapons). * **Gaming and Entertainment:** In video games, players frequently talk about upgrading their **武器** or finding a new one. * **Metaphorical Usage:** Like in English, **武器** can be used figuratively to describe a powerful tool or advantage. A sharp intellect, compelling evidence, or even the law itself can be described as a "weapon." ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 私人持有**武器**在中国是违法的。 * Pinyin: Sīrén chíyǒu **wǔqì** zài Zhōngguó shì wéifǎ de. * English: Private ownership of weapons is illegal in China. * Analysis: This sentence highlights a key cultural and legal difference between China and some Western countries. It's a statement of fact you might hear in a formal discussion. * **Example 2:** * 这家博物馆里收藏了很多古代**武器**。 * Pinyin: Zhè jiā bówùguǎn lǐ shōucángle hěn duō gǔdài **wǔqì**. * English: This museum has a collection of many ancient weapons. * Analysis: Here, **武器** is used to refer to historical armaments like swords, spears, and bows. * **Example 3:** * 联合国呼吁各国销毁所有核**武器**。 * Pinyin: Liánhéguó hūyù gèguó xiāohuǐ suǒyǒu hé**wǔqì**. * English: The United Nations calls on all countries to destroy all nuclear weapons. * Analysis: A very common use of the term in international news and politics. Note the compound word 核武器 (héwǔqì - nuclear weapon). * **Example 4:** * 在这个游戏里，你可以用金币购买更强的**武器**。 * Pinyin: Zài zhège yóuxì lǐ, nǐ kěyǐ yòng jīnbì gòumǎi gèng qiáng de **wǔqì**. * English: In this game, you can use gold coins to buy stronger weapons. * Analysis: This shows the term's common usage in the context of gaming and entertainment. * **Example 5:** * 警察要求那名罪犯放下**武器**。 * Pinyin: Jǐngchá yāoqiú nà míng zuìfàn fàngxià **wǔqì**. * English: The police demanded that the criminal put down his weapon. * Analysis: A standard phrase you would hear in a police drama or news report about a crime. * **Example 6:** * 知识是他战胜困难的最有力的**武器**。 * Pinyin: Zhīshi shì tā zhànshèng kùnnan de zuì yǒulì de **wǔqì**. * English: Knowledge is his most powerful weapon for overcoming difficulties. * Analysis: A perfect example of the metaphorical use of **武器**. It implies a tool that gives one a decisive advantage. * **Example 7:** * 法律是保护我们自己的最好**武器**。 * Pinyin: Fǎlǜ shì bǎohù wǒmen zìjǐ de zuì hǎo **wǔqì**. * English: The law is the best weapon to protect ourselves. * Analysis: Another common and important metaphorical use, framing the legal system as a tool for self-protection. * **Example 8:** * 这个国家正在研发一种新型**武器**。 * Pinyin: Zhège guójiā zhèngzài yánfā yī zhǒng xīnxíng **wǔqì**. * English: This country is currently developing a new type of weapon. * Analysis: Demonstrates usage related to military technology and R&D (research and development). * **Example 9:** * 他的言辞像锋利的**武器**，深深地伤害了她。 * Pinyin: Tā de yáncí xiàng fēnglì de **wǔqì**, shēnshēn de shānghàile tā. * English: His words were like a sharp weapon, deeply hurting her. * Analysis: This metaphorical usage carries a negative connotation, describing something used to inflict emotional harm. * **Example 10:** * 我们的秘密**武器**是出其不意的市场策略。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen de mìmì **wǔqì** shì chūqíbùyì de shìchǎng cèlüè. * English: Our secret weapon is a surprise market strategy. * Analysis: This is identical to the English idiom "secret weapon," referring to a hidden advantage in a competitive situation (like business). ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **General vs. Specific:** The most common mistake for learners is using the general term **武器 (wǔqì)** when a specific term is more natural. While a gun is a type of **武器**, you would typically point to it and call it a **枪 (qiāng)**. You use **武器** when speaking about weapons as a category, in a list, or when you don't know the specific type. * **Correct:** "他有很多武器，比如刀、枪和手榴弹。" (He has many weapons, like knives, guns, and grenades.) * **Awkward:** (Pointing at a knife) "那是一个武器。" (That is a weapon.) * **Natural:** (Pointing at a knife) "那是一把刀。" (That is a knife.) * **武器 (wǔqì) vs. 工具 (gōngjù):** These are not interchangeable. A **工具 (gōngjù)** is a "tool" for construction or work (e.g., a hammer, screwdriver). A **武器 (wǔqì)** is a "weapon" for fighting. The defining factor is //design and intent//. A hammer is a **工具**, but if you use it to attack someone, it //becomes// a **武器** in that context. However, a gun is always a **武器** because it was designed for that purpose. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[兵器]] (bīngqì) - A close synonym for `武器`, but often with a more classical or military-specific flavor. `兵 (bīng)` means "soldier," so it's literally a "soldier's implement." * [[枪]] (qiāng) - Gun. The most common specific type of modern `武器`. * [[刀]] (dāo) - Knife; single-edged sword. A common bladed `武器`. * [[剑]] (jiàn) - Double-edged straight sword. A classic, iconic `武器` in Chinese culture. * [[武术]] (wǔshù) - Martial Arts. The discipline and practice of combat, both with and without `武器`. * [[军队]] (jūnduì) - Army, armed forces. The organization that is officially equipped with `武器`. * [[战争]] (zhànzhēng) - War, warfare. The large-scale conflict where `武器` are used. * [[防御]] (fángyù) - To defend; defense. One of the two primary functions of a `武器`. * [[攻击]] (gōngjī) - To attack; an attack. The other primary function of a `武器`. * [[暴力]] (bàolì) - Violence. The force or action often carried out using a `武器`.