to summon, to recruit; levy, tax; journey; invasion
HSK 7, zg, 15 strokes, radical 彳, rank #22323, Very Hard
徵
zhǐ
4th note in pentatonic scale 五音[wu3 yin1], roughly sol
HSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, radical 彳, rank #22323, Very Hard
徵
zhēng
to summon, to recruit; levy, tax; journey; invasion
HSK 7, zg, 15 strokes, radical 彳, rank #22323, Very Hard
徵
zhēng
4th note in pentatonic scale 五音[wu3 yin1], roughly sol
HSK 7, unknown, 15 strokes, radical 彳, rank #22323, Very Hard
zhēng(zheng1)
primary
T1
1to summon, to recruit; levy, tax; journey; invasion
24th note in pentatonic scale 五音[wu3 yin1], roughly sol
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
徵zhēng(zheng1)
The character 徵 (zhēng) primarily means to summon or recruit, often used in the context of calling people to service or duty. It can also refer to a levy or tax imposed by authorities. Additionally, in musical contexts, it denotes the fourth note in the pentatonic scale, roughly corresponding to 'sol'.
Strokes15Radical彳Frequency#22323DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the idea of summoning or recruiting often relates to military service or civil duties, reflecting the historical importance of collective responsibility. The connection to music also highlights the significance of harmony and order in Chinese philosophy.
Memory Tip
Imagine a general summoning his troops (征) for an important journey. The character's structure can be visualized as a person (亻) being called forth by the sound (征) of a trumpet, echoing through the mountains, a metaphor for recruitment.
Meanings of 徵
zhēng(zheng1)
primary
1to summon, to recruit; levy, tax; journey; invasion
24th note in pentatonic scale 五音[wu3 yin1], roughly sol
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 徵
徵Simplified
15Strokes
彳Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 徵
Podcast: 徵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 徵
Quick Contrast
徵 (zhēng) vs 征 (zhēng) — use 徵 when referring to summoning or recruiting, and 征 for the act of journeying or expedition.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a general summoning his troops (征) for an important journey. The character's structure can be visualized as a person (亻) being called forth by the sound (征) of a trumpet, echoing through the mountains, a metaphor for recruitment.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or governmental documents. Common mistakes include confusing it with 征 (zheng1), meaning to conquer or invade; remember that 徵 (zhēng) is more about summoning. Pay attention to the tone to avoid miscommunication.
HSK Study Tips
Though not part of the official HSK levels, students at HSK 4 should focus on understanding its use in formal language and contexts involving music or governmental terms. It connects with other HSK vocabulary related to duties and responsibilities.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the idea of summoning or recruiting often relates to military service or civil duties, reflecting the historical importance of collective responsibility. The connection to music also highlights the significance of harmony and order in Chinese philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 徵 (zhēng) with 征 (zheng1), leading to misinterpretations of context. For instance, using '征' in place of '徵' when discussing music or recruitment can change the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 徵
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 徵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 徵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 徵
徵 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
As long as there is spring, there will always be Easter!
Cultural Notes for 徵
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the idea of summoning or recruiting often relates to military service or civil duties, reflecting the historical importance of collective responsibility. The connection to music also highlights the significance of harmony and order in Chinese philosophy.
Word Family of 徵
Words Containing This Character3
徵zhēngsee also 徵|征[zhēng]
宫商角徵羽pre-Tang names of the five notes of the pentatonic scale, corresponding roughly to do, re, mi, sol, la宮商角徵羽
变徵之声modified fifth note of the pentatonic scale變徵之聲
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 徵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 徵
The primary meaning of 徵 is to summon or recruit, often in a formal context.
It's more commonly used in formal situations, so in casual conversation, you might choose simpler alternatives.
Yes, it denotes the fourth note in the pentatonic scale, similar to 'sol' in Western music.
