tube, pipe, duct

JLPT N3 14 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (guǎn)

The character has two main uses: as a noun meaning 'pipe' or 'tube', and as a verb meaning 'to manage' or 'to take care of'. When used as a noun, it often appears in contexts related to plumbing or instruments, such as (water pipe). As a a verb, it frequently appears in phrases about responsibility or control, like 管理 (management) or 负责 (be responsible for).

Common Collocations

  • 管理 (guǎnlǐ): to manage, administration
  • 负责 (fùzé guǎn): be responsible for managing
  • (shuǐguǎn): water pipe
  • (bié guǎn): don't bother or interfere

Pragmatic Notes

When used as a verb, can imply taking charge or interfering depending on context. For example, (don’t bother me) is a common phrase to tell someone not to interfere. In formal contexts, 管理 is more common for management-related meanings.

Common Confusion

as a verb should not be confused with (guān), which means 'to close' or 'to shut'. Both can appear in contexts of control but have different meanings and usage.

Example Sentences

He is responsible for managing the company's finances.

This water pipe is broken and needs repair.

Don't bother about me, I can handle it myself.