管

• Pinyin: guǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 管 = 竹 (bamboo) + 官 (official) — originally a bamboo pipe, extended to 'manage'

Meaning

To manage; to be in charge of; to mind; to care about. A versatile verb for overseeing or meddling.

Has several common uses: (1) to manage or be in charge of — 管钱 (be in charge of money); (2) to discipline or control — 管孩子 (discipline children); (3) to mind or interfere — 别管 (don't bother/mind). Also used in the pattern 管...叫... (to call something...).

Examples

1. 这件事谁来管？ Who is in charge of this matter?
2. 妈妈管我管得很严。 Mum keeps a very strict eye on me.
3. 别管别人的事，做好自己的就行。 Don't mind other people's business — just take care of your own.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, family, work

Tone: direct

Do Say

• 这个项目谁管？(Who's in charge of this project?)
• 你别管了，我自己来。(Don't worry about it — I'll do it myself.)

Don't Say

• 我管看了那部电影。(Don't use 管 before a verb to mean 'managed to.' Say 我看了那部电影.)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a bamboo tube (竹 + 官). Extended from 'tube/pipe' to 'to channel' and then to 'to manage or control.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal