HSK 7, ng, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
鼎
dǐng
ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
鼎
dǐng
pot (dialect)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
鼎
dǐng
to enter upon a period of (classical)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
鼎
dǐng
Kangxi radical 206
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
鼎
dǐng
one of the 64 hexagrams of the Book of Changes
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Hard
dǐng(ding3) T3
1large, three-legged bronze cauldron
2ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
鼎dǐng(ding3)
鼎 (dǐng) refers to a large, ancient bronze cauldron, typically used for cooking or ceremonial purposes. It symbolizes power and authority in Chinese culture, often associated with the concept of governance and stability. In modern usage, it can also refer to a pot or container in some dialects.
Strokes12Radical鼎Frequency#20548DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 鼎 was not just a cooking utensil; it was also a symbol of state power and legitimacy, often used in religious ceremonies to honor ancestors. Its presence in the 'I Ching' showcases its deep philosophical significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, three-legged pot (鼎) standing proudly like a king. The three legs represent stability, while the shape of the pot can remind you of a treasure chest full of ancient wisdom, making the sound 'dǐng' resonate like a bell in a grand hall.
Meanings of 鼎
dǐng(ding3)
1large, three-legged bronze cauldron
2ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 鼎
鼎Simplified
12Strokes
鼎Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 鼎
Podcast: 鼎
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AI Study Notes for 鼎
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, three-legged pot (鼎) standing proudly like a king. The three legs represent stability, while the shape of the pot can remind you of a treasure chest full of ancient wisdom, making the sound 'dǐng' resonate like a bell in a grand hall.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'dǐng' uses the third tone, which can be easily confused with other tones. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing history or culture. Common collocations include '鼎盛' (dǐngshèng, thriving) and '鼎力支持' (dǐnglì zhīchí, strong support).
HSK Study Tips
While 鼎 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 4 through its cultural significance and its use in idiomatic expressions. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and how it appears in literature.
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 鼎 was not just a cooking utensil; it was also a symbol of state power and legitimacy, often used in religious ceremonies to honor ancestors. Its presence in the 'I Ching' showcases its deep philosophical significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼎 with similar-sounding words and use the wrong tone, such as saying 'dīng' instead of 'dǐng'. Remember, the pronunciation has an important tonal distinction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼎
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Grammar Patterns of 鼎
鼎 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 6 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
这位大名____鼎的电影制片人声色俱厉地抨击了这些说法，称之为“无耻的谎言”。
The famed film-maker slammed the claims as "an outrageous lie"
Example Sentences for 鼎 (5)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
这位大名鼎鼎的电影制片人声色俱厉地抨击了这些说法，称之为“无耻的谎言”。
zhè wèi dà míng dǐng dǐng de diàn yǐng zhì piàn rén shēng sè jù lì dì pēng jī le zhè xiē shuō fǎ， ， chēng zhī“ wéi “ wú chǐ de”。
The famed film-maker slammed the claims as "an outrageous lie"
2
他得到其他一些成员的鼎力相助。
tā dé dào qí tā yī xiē chéng yuán de dǐng lì xiāng zhù。
He was ably assisted by a number of other members.
And a long - drawn procession of formidable names it was!
Cultural Notes for 鼎
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the 鼎 was not just a cooking utensil; it was also a symbol of state power and legitimacy, often used in religious ceremonies to honor ancestors. Its presence in the 'I Ching' showcases its deep philosophical significance.
Word Family of 鼎
Words Containing This Character20
鼎dǐngpot (dialect)
大名鼎鼎dàmíngdǐngdǐnggrand reputation
问鼎to aspire to the throne問鼎
鼎盛flourishing
一言九鼎one word worth nine sacred tripods (idiom); words of enormous weight
鼎立lit. to stand like the three legs of a tripod
人声鼎沸hubbub人聲鼎沸
鼎力相助We are most grateful for your valuable assistance.
福鼎Fuding county level city in Ningde 寧德|宁德[Níngdé], Fujian
鼎力thanks to your help
九鼎the Nine Tripod Cauldrons, symbol of state power, dating back to the Xia Dynasty
鼎鼎大名famous
福鼎市Fuding county level city in Ningde 寧德|宁德[Níngdé], Fujian
鼎沸a racket
鼎新to innovate
革故鼎新to discard the old and introduce the new (idiom); to innovate
鼎盛期golden age
定鼎to fix the capital
鼎足lit. the three legs of a tripod
鼎城区Dingcheng district of Changde city 常德市[Chángdéshì], Hunan鼎城區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 鼎 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼎
鼎 represents authority, stability, and is often associated with governance and power.
While 鼎 is primarily used in historical or cultural discussions, it can also refer to a pot in some dialects.
You can remember 'dǐng' by associating it with the sound of a bell or a large pot that 'dings' when struck.
