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塵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
塵chéncinders, ashes, dust, dirtzg, 14 strokes, radical 土
chén(chen2)chen T2
  1. 1cinders, ashes, dust, dirt
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March 24, 2026

塵chén(chen2)

The character 塵 (chén) refers to small particles like dust, dirt, cinders, or ashes. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing physical dirt or metaphorically referring to minor troubles or concerns in life.

Strokes14Radical土
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and the concept of dust (塵) often relates to the idea of maintaining harmony and purity in one's surroundings, reflecting broader philosophical beliefs.

Memory tip

Imagine a chimney (the radical 土 for earth) filled with cinders that float into the air and settle as dust (塵). The sound 'chén' can remind you of 'churn,' as in how dust is churned up by wind.

Meanings of 塵

chén(chen2)
1cinders, ashes, dust, dirt
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 塵

塵Simplified
14Strokes
土Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 塵

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Podcast: 塵

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AI study notes for 塵

Quick Contrast

灰 (huī) - use 塵 (chén) for finer particles like dust, while 灰 (huī) refers specifically to ash or the residue from burnt material.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the context when using 塵, as it can be informal when referring to dirt but can also imply something trivial. It often collocates with words like '灰' (huī, ash) and '埃' (āi, dust) in more descriptive phrases. Ensure to use the correct tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

HSK Study Tips

Although not in HSK levels, 塵 is related to other words like '灰' (huī, ash) and '土' (tǔ, earth), which can help learners build vocabulary around nature and elements. Focus on pronunciation and usage in common phrases to reinforce learning.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 塵 with similar characters like 尘 (chén), which has the same pronunciation but may have slightly different connotations. Always double-check the context to ensure you’re using the correct character.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 塵

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Etymology of 塵

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory hint

Dust 土 kicked up by a fleeing deer 鹿

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 塵?

Decomposition of 塵

IDS Structure⿱鹿土
塵Full character
=
鹿lu4
top
土Tu3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 塵?

How to say cinders, ashes, dust, dirt in Chinese

“cinders, ashes, dust, dirt” in Chinese is塵chén

The character 塵 (chén) refers to small particles like dust, dirt, cinders, or ashes. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, such as describing physical dirt or metaphorically referring to minor troubles or concerns in life.

When to use 塵

Be mindful of the context when using 塵, as it can be informal when referring to dirt but can also imply something trivial. It often collocates with words like '灰' (huī, ash) and '埃' (āi, dust) in more descriptive phrases. Ensure to use the correct tone to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

塵 or something close to it

灰 (huī) - use 塵 (chén) for finer particles like dust, while 灰 (huī) refers specifically to ash or the residue from burnt material.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 塵 with similar characters like 尘 (chén), which has the same pronunciation but may have slightly different connotations. Always double-check the context to ensure you’re using the correct character.

Write 塵

塵

Practice writing 塵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 塵

Words containing this character20
尘chéndust塵
灰尘huīchéndust灰塵
尘土dust塵土
吸尘器vacuum cleaner吸塵器
沙尘airborne sand and dust沙塵
红尘human society紅塵
尘世this mortal life塵世
尘埃dust塵埃
粉尘dust粉塵
烟尘smoke and dust煙塵
尘封dusty塵封
后尘lit. trailing dust後塵
除尘to eliminate dust (i.e. filter out suspended particles)除塵
沙尘暴sand and dust storm沙塵暴
一尘不染spotless一塵不染
风尘windblown dust風塵
尘埃落定fig. to get sorted out塵埃落定
望尘莫及to be far inferior望塵莫及
风尘仆仆fig. travel-worn風塵僕僕
尘肺pneumoconiosis塵肺
Exercise 1 of 4

Characters with 塵

What does 尘 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 塵

It is pronounced as 'chén' with a rising tone.

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