qiang

Qiang is a pinyin romanization used for several Chinese words and proper names, depending on the character and tone. In English-language reference, qiang commonly denotes a traditional weapon, an ethnic group, or the Chinese adjective qiáng meaning strong. The exact meaning in any given context is determined by the Chinese character involved.

As a weapon, qiang (槍/枪) refers to a long spear used in Chinese martial arts and historical warfare. The weapon features a long shaft and a spearhead designed for thrusting and piercing. It has a prominent role in ceremonial forms and various wushu demonstrations, as well as in traditional military drills dating back to ancient dynasties. The term also forms part of the broader family of polearms in East Asian martial arts.

Qiang (羌) also denotes the Qiang people, an ethnic minority in western China. They are concentrated in Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu, and are recognized among China’s 56 official ethnic groups. Their languages form the Qiangic branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, and they maintain distinct musical, textile, and religious traditions, often in contact with Han, Tibetan, and other neighboring cultures.

The pinyin qiang also appears in words built from the character 強/强 (qiáng), meaning strong or powerful. It appears in common terms such as qiángdà (strong), qiángliè (intense), and qiángkǎn in names and descriptions. In transliteration, qiang without tone marks therefore covers multiple distinct words and should be interpreted from context.