Meanings of 爭
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About 爭
Podcast: 爭
Podcast: 爭
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AI Study Notes for 爭
争 (zhēng) vs 斗 (dòu) — use 爭 for disputes or competitions that are more about contention and argument, while 斗 implies physical fighting or brawling.
Be mindful of the context in which you use 爭, as it can imply a negative confrontation if used improperly. Common collocations include 爭論 (zhēnglùn, to argue) and 爭取 (zhēngqǔ, to strive for). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
While not officially in the HSK vocabulary, 爭 can enhance your understanding of related terms at HSK 4 or 5, like 爭論 (argument) or 爭取 (to strive for). Focus on recognizing its usage in dialogues about competition or disagreement.
Learners often confuse 爭 with other similar-sounding words, such as 正 (zhèng, correct), leading to sentences like 我們爭論這個問題是正的 (Wǒmen zhēnglùn zhège wèntí shì zhèng de), which is incorrect. The correct phrase would omit 正 and simply focus on the argument context.
Pronunciation of 爭
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Etymology of 爭
Simplified form of 爭. Pictograph of multiple hands grabbing at the same object.
Two hands 爪 and 彐 fighting over 亅
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 爭
Simplified form of 爭. Pictograph of multiple hands grabbing at the same object.
- 1The giveawayTwo hands 爪 and 彐 fighting over 亅
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 爭? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 爭
Identify the Components
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How to say to dispute, to fight, to contend, to strive in Chinese
“to dispute, to fight, to contend, to strive” in Chinese is爭
The character 爭 (zhēng) means to dispute, fight, or contend. It is often used in contexts involving competition or conflict, whether in arguments, sports, or debates. It conveys a sense of striving for something or asserting oneself in opposition to others.
When to use 爭
Be mindful of the context in which you use 爭, as it can imply a negative confrontation if used improperly. Common collocations include 爭論 (zhēnglùn, to argue) and 爭取 (zhēngqǔ, to strive for). Ensure you use the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
爭 or something close to it
争 (zhēng) vs 斗 (dòu) — use 爭 for disputes or competitions that are more about contention and argument, while 斗 implies physical fighting or brawling.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 爭 with other similar-sounding words, such as 正 (zhèng, correct), leading to sentences like 我們爭論這個問題是正的 (Wǒmen zhēnglùn zhège wèntí shì zhèng de), which is incorrect. The correct phrase would omit 正 and simply focus on the argument context.
Write 爭
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Practice writing 爭 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 爭
In Western cultures, competition is often viewed positively and encouraged in many aspects of life, whereas in Chinese culture, it is balanced with a focus on maintaining relationships and harmony.
Word Family of 爭
Compound Meaning
What does 战争 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 爭
You can say 她們在會議上爭論了一個小時 (Tāmen zài huìyì shàng zhēnglùnle yīgè xiǎoshí), meaning 'They argued for an hour in the meeting.'
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