項 (xiàng) - Neck & nape

項Tone 4

xiàng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

想信

項 · xiàng

Neck;

nape;

item;

term;

sum of money;

a surname;

used in names of things arranged in a series.

Necknapeitem

Usage highlights

NeckNecklaceItem/ProjectSum of moneyStrong neckWeak point

Synonyms

  • 颈— neck (more anatomical term)
  • 脖— neck (colloquial)
  • 款— sum of money, item

Antonyms

  • 首— head (as opposed to neck)
  • 强项— strong point (as opposed to weak point)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He wore a necklace around his neck (项链).
  • Please check item number three on the list (项目).
  • The company invested a large sum of money (款项).
  • He is a descendant of the Xiang family (项氏家族).

Collocations

  • Neck(脖子/颈部)
  • Necklace(项链)
  • Item/Project(项目)
  • Sum of money(款项)
  • Strong neck(强项)
  • Weak point(弱项)

Idioms

  • To look forward with great anticipation(望其项背)
  • To be head and shoulders above others(项背相望)
  • To be extremely outstanding(为人项背)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Xiang is a Chinese surname originating from the ancient state of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period.
  • In historical context, '望其项背' originally described being able to see someone's neck and back, meaning being able to catch up with them.
  • The character appears in historical records referring to Xiang Yu (项羽), the famous Hegemon-King of Western Chu.

FAQ