Meanings of 怔
By ear
Play it, then pick what 怔 means.
About 怔
Podcast: 怔
Podcast: 怔
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 怔
Be careful not to confuse 怔 with similar-sounding words that indicate fear or shock, as context is crucial. This word is more informal and is often used in everyday conversations. Common collocations include 怔住 (zhēng zhù, to be stunned) and 怔忡 (zhēng chōng, to be startled).
Although 怔 is not included in the HSK levels, it is useful for learners who want to expand their vocabulary related to emotions and reactions. Focus on using it in combinations with other words to express more nuanced feelings.
Learners often confuse 怔 with 惊 (jīng), which also means startled but is used more broadly. For example, saying '我很惊' instead of '我很怔' (I am very startled) can sound awkward; use '我很怔' to be more specific.
Pronunciation of 怔
Drill the tone of 怔, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 怔 to you
Let me explain 怔 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 怔 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 怔?
Learning Lab
Knowing 怔 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 怔
Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 正 represents the sound.
heart
Origin
怔 = 忄 + 正. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 怔
Parts
Which of these is part of 怔?
How to say frightened, startled, terrified in Chinese
“frightened, startled, terrified” in Chinese is怔
The character 怔 (zhēng) conveys a sense of being startled or frightened. It can also describe a state of being stumped for words or staring blankly due to shock or surprise. This word is often used in contexts where someone reacts unexpectedly to a situation.
When to use 怔
Be careful not to confuse 怔 with similar-sounding words that indicate fear or shock, as context is crucial. This word is more informal and is often used in everyday conversations. Common collocations include 怔住 (zhēng zhù, to be stunned) and 怔忡 (zhēng chōng, to be startled).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 怔 with 惊 (jīng), which also means startled but is used more broadly. For example, saying '我很惊' instead of '我很怔' (I am very startled) can sound awkward; use '我很怔' to be more specific.
Write 怔
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 怔 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 怔
怔 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
有一会儿，他____怔地注视着周围的景物。
He was lost in the con-templation of the landscape for a while.
Example sentences for 怔 (3)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 怔?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 怔
The experience of being startled is universal, but in Western cultures, expressing surprise is often done more openly than in Chinese culture, where restraint is valued.
Word Family of 怔
Words with 怔
What does 怔怔 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 怔
It is pronounced as zhēng.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 怔?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.