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March 24, 2026
陈(陳)chén(Chen2)
The character 陈 (chén) primarily serves as a surname in Chinese, commonly associated with one of the most prevalent family names in China. Additionally, it can denote various meanings related to 'to display' or 'to narrate', often used in contexts where someone is explaining or exhibiting something, whether it's a story or an object.
Strokes7Radical阝Frequency#3754DifficultyHard
Cultural note
The surname 陈 has historical significance, with roots tracing back to a vassal state in ancient China, illustrating the deep lineage and heritage associated with family names in Chinese culture.
Memory tip
Imagine a Chen family member laying out a beautiful display of old and stale artifacts from their family history on a long table. The character 陈 visually resembles a table (the horizontal line) where things are laid out, and the sound 'chén' can be remembered by thinking of 'Chen' explaining the display.
Meanings of 陈
chén(Chen2)
1to lay out
2to exhibit
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About 陈
陈Simplified
陳Traditional
7Strokes
阝Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#3754Frequency Rank
Podcast: 陈
Podcast: 陈
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AI study notes for 陈
Usage Notes
When using 陈 as a verb, it often appears in formal contexts or written language, such as in literature or speeches. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding verbs; ensure to use the correct context for 'to narrate' versus 'to display'. Be mindful of its tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Though not currently listed in HSK levels, 陈 is beneficial to know for students aiming to understand Chinese surnames and basic narrative structures. Focus on its dual meanings and practice using it in both contexts to enhance fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陈 with other characters that sound similar, such as 晨 (chén, morning). For example, saying '我陈这个故事' instead of '我讲这个故事' (I narrate this story) can lead to confusion; use '讲' for telling stories instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陈
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The character 陈 (chén) primarily serves as a surname in Chinese, commonly associated with one of the most prevalent family names in China. Additionally, it can denote various meanings related to 'to display' or 'to narrate', often used in contexts where someone is explaining or exhibiting something, whether it's a story or an object.
When to use 陈
When using 陈 as a verb, it often appears in formal contexts or written language, such as in literature or speeches. A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding verbs; ensure to use the correct context for 'to narrate' versus 'to display'. Be mindful of its tone, as mispronouncing it could lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 陈 with other characters that sound similar, such as 晨 (chén, morning). For example, saying '我陈这个故事' instead of '我讲这个故事' (I narrate this story) can lead to confusion; use '讲' for telling stories instead.
Write 陈
陈
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Grammar patterns of 陈
陈 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 13 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.
There are 76 individually furnished bedrooms, all with private bathrooms.
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Word Family of 陈
Words containing this character20
陈chénto lay out陳
陈述chénshùan assertion陳述
陈水扁chénshuǐbiǎnChen Shui-Bian (1950-), Taiwanese DPP 民進黨|民进党 politician, president of the Republic of China 2000-2008陳水扁
陈年chénniánold陳年
陈旧chénjiùold-fashioned陳舊
新陈代谢xīnchéndàixièmetabolism (biology)新陳代謝
陈列chénlièto display陳列
陈词滥调chéncílàndiàocliché陳詞濫調
陈奕迅chényìxùnEason Chan (1974-), Hong Kong pop singer and actor陳奕迅
陈皮chénpíorange peel陳皮
陈毅chényìChen Yi (1901-1972), communist general and politician, Marshal of PLA from 1955, Mayor of Shanghai in 1950s, PRC foreign minister 1958-1972陳毅
陈列室chénlièshìdisplay room陳列室
陈凯歌chénkǎigēChen Kaige (1952-), Chinese movie director陳凱歌
陈冠希chénguànxīEdison Chen (1980-), Hong Kong singer and actor陳冠希
陈云chényúnChen Yun (1905-1995), communist leader and economist陳雲
陈腐chénfǔtrite陳腐
推陈出新tuīchénchūxīnto push out the old and bring in the new (idiom); to innovate推陳出新
陈规chénguīoutmoded conventions陳規
陈设chénshèto display陳設
陈独秀chéndúxiùChen Duxiu (1879-1942), Chinese Marxist and leading communist, blamed for the failures of Chinese communism from 1927, posthumously rehabilitated陳獨秀
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 陈
What does 陈述 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 陈
陈 is one of the most common surnames in China, representing many notable historical figures.
Yes, you can use 陈 in both formal and informal settings, especially when narrating stories or explaining concepts.
No, 陈 also means 'to display' or 'to narrate', and can be used in various verbal contexts.
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