炮 (pào) - cannon, artillery & to roast, bake, or quick-fry in a pan

炮Tone 4

pào ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

炮 · pào

cannon, artillery;

to roast, bake, or quick-fry in a pan;

firecracker;

to criticize harshly

cannon, artilleryto roast, bake, or quick-fry in a panfirecracker

Usage highlights

artillerycannonfirecrackersroasted chestnutsbarbecuecriticize harshly

Synonyms

  • 砲— alternative form for cannon/artillery
  • 枪— gun, rifle (smaller firearm)

Antonyms

  • 盾— shield (defensive vs offensive)
  • 防— defend (defensive vs offensive)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The army deployed heavy artillery (大炮).
  • We roasted chestnuts over the fire (炮栗).
  • He was criticized severely in the meeting (被炮轰).
  • Firecrackers are set off during festivals (鞭炮).

Collocations

  • artillery(大炮)
  • cannon(火炮)
  • firecrackers(鞭炮)
  • roasted chestnuts(炮栗)
  • barbecue(炮炙)
  • criticize harshly(炮轰)

Idioms

  • To be a mere cannon fodder(马前炮)
  • Firing empty cannons(放空炮)
  • Like a string of firecrackers(连珠炮)
  • Bird cannon and stone bullets(鸟枪换炮)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to a method of preparing herbal medicine by roasting or baking.
  • Later extended to military use with the invention of gunpowder weapons in ancient China.
  • The character has both culinary and military connotations in Chinese culture.

FAQ