射击

• Pinyin: shè jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 射 = 身 (body) + 寸 (inch); 击 = 击 simplified from 擊

Meaning

To shoot; shooting; to fire (weapons); marksmanship.

Specifically refers to firing guns or weapons, used for both the action and the sport/skill. An Olympic sport category. Can be used as verb (to shoot) or noun (shooting/marksmanship). More specific than bare 射 when referring to firearms.

Examples

1. 他是国家射击队的运动员，多次获得世界冠军。 He's an athlete on the national shooting team who has won world championships multiple times.
2. 警察向逃跑的嫌疑人射击，将其制服。 The police fired at the fleeing suspect and subdued him.
3. 这个射击游戏非常逼真，深受玩家喜爱。 This shooting game is very realistic and loved by players.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, gaming

Tone: active

Do Say

• 射击比赛即将开始。(The shooting competition is about to begin.)
• 他练习射击已经十年了。(He has practiced shooting for ten years.)

Don't Say

• 射击照片 — 射击 is only for weapons; use 拍摄 for taking photos

Origin & History

Compound of 射 (shoot) + 击 (strike/hit), emphasizing the action of shooting to hit something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal