干戈

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"干戈" is a classical Chinese term referring to weapons of war, often symbolizing warfare or armed conflict. It is rarely used in everyday modern speech but appears frequently in literary, historical, or formal contexts to evoke the idea of war or strife.

Common Contexts

This term is typically used to describe large-scale conflicts or wars, often in historical narratives or idiomatic expressions. It carries a formal and somewhat literary tone.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 干戈不断 (gāngē bùduàn): continuous warfare, used to describe prolonged conflict.
  • 干戈 (bǐngqì gāngē): to abandon warfare, often used in calls for peace.
  • 干戈 (gāngē sì qǐ): warfare breaks out everywhere, describing chaotic conflict.

Usage Notes

When using "干戈," speakers imply serious armed conflict rather than minor disputes. It is not used for casual arguments or verbal disagreements. Avoid confusing it with modern words for weapons or war; "干戈" has a classical and literary flavor.

Summary

Use "干戈" when discussing historical or literary topics related to war, or when emphasizing the gravity of armed conflict in a formal or poetic manner.

Example Sentences

In ancient times, wars were continuous, and the common people lived in

We should abandon warfare and pursue peace.

Warfare broke out everywhere, and the country fell into chaos.