拳打
quándǎ
The English word punch translates to Chinese as 拳打 (quándǎ). If unsure, use 拳打. Wiktionary also lists 拳 (quán).
Meaning: a hit or a strike with one's fist (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 拳打 | quándǎ |
| 拳 | quán |
The term refers to a hit or a strike with one's fist. Related forms include 打孔, which means to employ a punch to create a hole and the verb forms 拳打 and 拳 to strike something or someone with one's fist.
Which one should you use?
The single character 拳 refers to the anatomical fist itself rather than the act of punching. When you want to describe the action of throwing or launching a punch, the verb phrase 出拳 is more commonly used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While 拳打 can mean to punch, the verb phrase 出拳 (chūquán) is more commonly used to describe the action of throwing or launching a punch.
How do you pronounce it?
quándǎ
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the gesture of 抱拳 (bàoquán), where one fist is wrapped by the opposite hand, is a traditional salute of respect and modesty.
- The word 太极拳 (Tàijíquán), often shortened to 'Tai Chi' in English, literally translates as 'Supreme Ultimate Fist'.
- The character 拳 is a phono-semantic compound combining the symbol for 'hand' with a character originally meaning 'to bend' or 'to curve'.
Examples in context
- 出拳就是出拳。出脚就是出脚。A punch is just a punch. A kick is just a kick.This sentence is useful for illustrating the distinction between a punch and a kick using the form 拳.Tatoeba #433418 by GlossaMatik, translation #433414 by FeuDRenais
Example conversation
Zihan and Zhiqiang are discussing a boxing match.
- 梓涵 Zihan你看，那个拳打非常有力！Nǐ kàn, nàge quándǎ fēicháng yǒulì!Look, that punch is very powerful!
- 志强 Zhiqiang确实，他动作很快。Quèshí, tā dòngzuò hěn kuài.Indeed, his movements are very fast.
- 梓涵 Zihan如果被拳打中就完了。Rúguǒ bèi quándǎ zhòng jiù wánle.It's over if you get hit by that punch.
- 志强 Zhiqiang所以防守很重要。Suǒyǐ fángshǒu hěn zhòngyào.That's why defense is very important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “punch” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 拳, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
