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March 24, 2026
郑(鄭)zhèng(Zheng4)
The character 郑 (zhèng) primarily refers to the Zheng state, which existed during the Warring States period in ancient China. It is also a common Chinese surname and is an abbreviation for 郑州 (Zhèngzhōu), a major city in Henan province. In modern contexts, it can refer to historical discussions or genealogical references related to the Zheng surname.
Strokes8Radical阝Frequency#19553DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The Zheng state played a significant role in ancient Chinese history, particularly during the Warring States period, influencing various philosophical and political developments. The city of Zhengzhou is also known for its historical and cultural significance, serving as a vital center in ancient China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Zheng' warrior standing strong in battle, with the character 郑 resembling a shield protecting his name. The '亻' radical on the left suggests a person, while the '郑' part can be visualized as a name banner waving in the wind, reminding you of its significance as a surname.
Meanings of 郑
zhèng(Zheng4)
1state in today's Henan; surname
2Zheng state during the Warring States period
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 郑
郑Simplified
鄭Traditional
8Strokes
阝Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#19553Frequency Rank
Podcast: 郑
Podcast: 郑
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AI Study Notes for 郑
Usage Notes
When using 郑, ensure you are aware of its context—whether referring to the surname, the historical state, or the city. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; remember that 郑 is specific to the Zheng state and surname. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing history or family names.
HSK Study Tips
Although 郑 is not assigned an HSK level, it is important for learners to connect it with other historical terms and names. Focus on its usage in historical texts and genealogical discussions to enhance vocabulary related to Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 郑, saying it with a rising tone instead of the correct falling tone. For example, saying 'zhéng' instead of 'zhèng' can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, some may confuse it with other surnames like 张 (Zhāng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 郑
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Simplified form of 鄭. Phonosemantic compound. ⻏ represents the meaning and 奠 represents the sound.
1The giveawayA city 阝 guarding a pass 关
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 郑? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 郑?
Decomposition of 郑
IDS Structure⿰关阝
郑Full Character
=
关Guan1
left
阝yi4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 郑?
How to say surname Zheng in Chinese
“surname Zheng” in Chinese is郑zhèng
The character 郑 (zhèng) primarily refers to the Zheng state, which existed during the Warring States period in ancient China. It is also a common Chinese surname and is an abbreviation for 郑州 (Zhèngzhōu), a major city in Henan province. In modern contexts, it can refer to historical discussions or genealogical references related to the Zheng surname.
When to use 郑
When using 郑, ensure you are aware of its context—whether referring to the surname, the historical state, or the city. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding words; remember that 郑 is specific to the Zheng state and surname. It is often used in formal contexts when discussing history or family names.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 郑, saying it with a rising tone instead of the correct falling tone. For example, saying 'zhéng' instead of 'zhèng' can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, some may confuse it with other surnames like 张 (Zhāng).
Write 郑
郑
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Practice writing 郑 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 郑
郑 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
它用讽刺的语言呈现了天主教作家____重其事表明的观点。
It presented in satirical terms points made in earnest by Catholic writers.
Example Sentences for 郑 (5)
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1
它用讽刺的语言呈现了天主教作家郑重其事表明的观点。
tā yòng fěng cì de yǔ yán chéng xiàn le tiān zhǔ jiào zuò jiā zhèng zhòng qí shì biǎo míng de guān diǎn。
It presented in satirical terms points made in earnest by Catholic writers.
