Cháng máo (长矛) is a compound noun meaning 'long spear' — a traditional pole weapon with a pointed metal tip, historically used by infantry in ancient Chinese warfare and hunting. The first character, 长 (cháng), means 'long' (here pronounced with second tone, distinguishing it from the verb 'to grow', zhǎng); the second, 矛 (máo), specifically denotes a 'spear' or 'lance', one of the 'Eighteen Martial Arts Weapons' in classical Chinese military tradition.

Though no longer used in modern combat, cháng máo appears frequently in historical novels, martial arts films, museum exhibits, and reenactments. It also features metaphorically in idioms like '矛头指向' (the spearhead points toward…), implying accusation or criticism. Unlike shorter weapons like the dagger-axe (戈, gē) or halberd (戟, jǐ), the cháng máo emphasizes reach and thrusting power, making it especially effective against cavalry or in formation fighting.