Definition
兵马 is a literary compound meaning 'troops and horses', evoking ancient Chinese armies. It appears most famously in 兵马俑 (Terracotta Army), and is typically used in historical narratives, military metaphors, or fixed expressions like 兵马未动，粮草先行 ('before troops move, supplies go first'). It is not used in everyday modern speech; the more common word for 'military forces' is 军队.
n.
troops and horsesmilitary forces (historical/literary context)
Examples
- 。Qín Shǐhuáng de bīng mǎ yǒng shì shìjiè shàng zuì zhùmíng de kǎogǔ fāxiàn zhī yī.The Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuang is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries in the world.
- ，兵马，。Gǔdài dǎzhàng shí, bīng mǎ wèi dòng, liángcǎo xiān xíng.In ancient times, before troops and horses moved, supplies went first.
- 兵马，。Zhè zhī bùduì bīng mǎ qiángshèng, zhàndòulì jí gāo.This army is strong in troops and horses, with very high combat effectiveness.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.