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March 24, 2026
稱chēng(cheng1)
The character 稱 (chēng) can refer to naming or calling something, as well as indicating a balance or suitability. It is commonly used in contexts such as describing someone's title or brand and can also imply measuring weight or assessing suitability in various situations.
Strokes14Radical禾Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, names carry significant importance, and the act of naming someone or something can reflect values, aspirations, and social status. The character 稱 is often used in formal naming ceremonies or when introducing oneself.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scale (称) that balances weights. The character looks like a scale with '称' representing the act of calling or naming something to ensure it is balanced. Picture a person calling out a name while carefully balancing an object on a scale.
Meanings of 稱
chēng(cheng1)
1balanced; name, brand; to say, to call
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 稱
稱Simplified
14Strokes
禾Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 稱
Podcast: 稱
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AI Study Notes for 稱
Quick Contrast
称 (chēng) vs 叫 (jiào) — use 称 for formal naming or titles, while 叫 is used for casual calling or addressing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a scale (称) that balances weights. The character looks like a scale with '称' representing the act of calling or naming something to ensure it is balanced. Picture a person calling out a name while carefully balancing an object on a scale.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 稱 with other similar-sounding characters. It's important to note that 稱 is more formal when used in contexts like titles or brands. Be cautious with tonal pronunciation: the first tone is used for 'to call', while the third tone is used in '称呼' (chēnghū) meaning 'to address'.
HSK Study Tips
While 稱 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with vocabulary related to names and measurements that students might encounter in daily conversations. Focus on the contexts of naming and measurement when studying this character.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, names carry significant importance, and the act of naming someone or something can reflect values, aspirations, and social status. The character 稱 is often used in formal naming ceremonies or when introducing oneself.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 稱 by using the wrong tone, such as saying 'chěng' instead of 'chēng'. Additionally, some may confuse it with similar characters like 程 (chéng), which means 'journey' or 'process'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 稱
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Cultural Notes for 稱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, names carry significant importance, and the act of naming someone or something can reflect values, aspirations, and social status. The character 稱 is often used in formal naming ceremonies or when introducing oneself.
Word Family of 稱
Words Containing This Character20
称chènto weigh稱
称为chēngwéicalled稱為
称呼chēnghuto call稱呼
声称shēngchēngto claim聲稱
称之为to call it...稱之為
简称jiǎnchēngabbreviation簡稱
名称míngchēngname (of a thing)名稱
自称zìchēngto call oneself自稱
宣称xuānchēngto assert宣稱
称作chēngzuòto be called稱作
称号chēnghàoname稱號
称赞chēngzànto praise稱讚
称职competent稱職
堪称kānchēngcan be rated as堪稱
号称hàochēngto be known as號稱
著称to be widely known as著稱
对称duìchènsymmetry對稱
据称it is said據稱
人称called人稱
俗称common term俗稱
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 称 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 稱
Common phrases include 稱呼 (chēnghū, to address) and 稱讚 (chēngzàn, to praise).
The correct pronunciation is 'chēng', with a high-level first tone.
While it can be used informally, it's more commonly seen in formal contexts such as business or official titles.
