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March 24, 2026
颂(頌)sòng(song4)
The character 颂 (sòng) primarily means to praise or laud someone or something in writing, often in the form of an ode or eulogy. It is commonly used in literary contexts, such as poetry or formal speeches, where individuals express admiration or honor. The nuance of 颂 carries a formal tone, making it suitable for commemorative events or artistic expressions.
Strokes10Radical页Frequency#19751DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 颂 is often associated with traditional poetry and is used during significant celebrations or memorials, where individuals seek to honor ancestors or noteworthy figures through written verses.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand celebration where a poet stands on a stage, holding a scroll (the character's top part) and passionately reciting praises (the lower part resembles a mouth speaking) to the audience. The sound 'sòng' can be remembered as the sound of applause echoing for the praises being sung aloud.
Meanings of 颂
sòng(song4)
1ode
2eulogy
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 颂
颂Simplified
頌Traditional
10Strokes
页Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#19751Frequency Rank
Podcast: 颂
Podcast: 颂
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AI Study Notes for 颂
Quick Contrast
歌 (gē) — use 颂 for formal praise or literary contexts, while 歌 is more general for singing or songs.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand celebration where a poet stands on a stage, holding a scroll (the character's top part) and passionately reciting praises (the lower part resembles a mouth speaking) to the audience. The sound 'sòng' can be remembered as the sound of applause echoing for the praises being sung aloud.
Usage Notes
While 颂 is often used in formal contexts, learners should be cautious not to confuse it with more casual words for praise, such as 赞 (zàn). It is typically used in literary or ceremonial situations. Common collocations include 颂扬 (sòngyáng) meaning to praise or acclaim, and 颂歌 (sònggē) referring to an anthem or hymn.
HSK Study Tips
Although 颂 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with words related to literature and expression, such as 诗 (shī, poem) and 文 (wén, culture). Focus on understanding its formal usage and how it can enhance your vocabulary in artistic or ceremonial contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 颂 is often associated with traditional poetry and is used during significant celebrations or memorials, where individuals seek to honor ancestors or noteworthy figures through written verses.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 颂 with 赞 (zàn) and use it in informal contexts, leading to awkward phrases like 颂你 (sòng nǐ) instead of the appropriate 赞你 (zàn nǐ). Always remember that 颂 is meant for formal praise.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颂
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Grammar Patterns of 颂
颂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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 2
Complete the Sentence
这不是在开追悼会，而是在____扬他的一生。
This was not a memorial service but a celebration of his life.
Example Sentences for 颂 (2)
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1
这不是在开追悼会，而是在颂扬他的一生。
zhè bù shì zài kāi zhuī dào huì， ， ér shì zài sòng yáng tā de yī。
This was not a memorial service but a celebration of his life.
2
写于1890年的这首诗是对婚姻爱情的高度颂扬。
xiě yú1890 1890 nián de zhè shǒu shī shì duì hūn yīn ài qíng de gāo dù sòng。
The poem, which appeared in 1890, is an exaltation of married love.
Cultural Notes for 颂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 颂 is often associated with traditional poetry and is used during significant celebrations or memorials, where individuals seek to honor ancestors or noteworthy figures through written verses.
Word Family of 颂
Words Containing This Character11
颂sòngode頌
歌颂gēsòngto extol歌頌
颂歌carol頌歌
赞颂to bless讚頌
颂扬to eulogize頌揚
传颂to eulogize傳頌
称颂to praise稱頌
颂词eulogy頌詞
歌功颂德to sing sb's praises (mostly derogatory)歌功頌德
颂赞to praise頌贊
祝颂to express good wishes祝頌
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 颂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 颂
Common phrases include 颂扬 (sòngyáng, to praise) and 赞颂 (zànsòng, to eulogize).
No, 颂 is typically reserved for formal or literary contexts and is not common in casual conversation.
颂 emphasizes a formal praise often in writing, while 赞 is more general and can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
