noun / measure word HSK 4
guàn
can · jar · pot · tin

Meaning

refers to a container, typically cylindrical, made of metal, glass, or ceramic used for storing food, beverages, or other items. It encompasses both modern tin cans and traditional ceramic jars or pots.

Usage

Commonly used in everyday contexts when referring to canned goods (头 guàntou), beverage cans, or storage jars. Can function as both a noun meaning 'container' and as a measure word for counting canned or jarred items. Native speakers use it frequently in shopping and food contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    我买了三可口可乐。
    mǎi le sān guàn kěkǒukělè.
    I bought three cans of Coca-Cola.
  2. 02
    这个陶瓷是我奶奶留下来的。
    Zhège táocí guàn shì nǎinai liú xiàlai de.
    This ceramic jar was left to me by my grandmother.

Measure words

  • 一个罐子
  • guàn一罐可乐

Common collocations

  • guàntou
    canned food, tin
  • 易拉
    guàn
    pull-tab can, pop-top can
  • 茶叶
    chá guàn
    tea canister
  • 煤气
    méi guàn
    gas cylinder, gas tank

Origin

The character consists of the radical 缶 (fǒu, earthen jar) on the left, indicating pottery or containers, combined with 雚 (guàn) on the right as the phonetic component.

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