棋子

• Pinyin: qí zǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 棋 = 木 + 其; 子 = 子 (child/small piece/object)

Meaning

Chess piece; playing piece. Also used figuratively to describe a person used as a pawn or tool by more powerful forces.

Literal use in board games; metaphorical use — often strongly negative — to describe someone manipulated or sacrificed by others for strategic gain. Common in political analysis and interpersonal conflict contexts.

Examples

1. 他小心翼翼地拿起棋子，凝神思考着下一步的最优走法。 He carefully picked up a piece and focused on the best possible next move.
2. 在大国博弈中，弱小的国家有时沦为强权手中任意摆布的棋子。 In great-power rivalry, smaller countries sometimes become pawns that stronger powers can manipulate at will.
3. 她逐渐意识到，自己只是对方商业计划中的一枚可随时丢弃的棋子。 She gradually realized she was just a disposable pawn in the other side’s business plan.

Usage Guide

Context: games, politics, metaphor

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他不过是上级为实现政治目的而使用的一枚棋子。(He was nothing more than a chess piece deployed by his superiors to achieve political ends.)
• 象棋中的每一枚棋子都有其特定的走法和战略价值。(Every piece in Chinese chess has its specific movement rules and strategic value.)

Don't Say

• 你是我的棋子 — saying this directly to someone is highly offensive as it openly declares you see them as a tool to exploit

Origin & History

棋 (board game) + 子 (small piece/object)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal