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功臣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
功臣gōngchénminister who has given outstanding serviceHSK 7, unknown, 11 strokes, rank #28473, Very Hard
gōngchén(gong1chen2)gong chen T1
  1. 1minister who has given outstanding service
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March 24, 2026

功臣gōngchén(gong1chen2)

功臣 (gōngchén) refers to a minister or official who has rendered outstanding service, especially in a military context. This term is used to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the state or a leader, often in historical or political discussions.

Strokes11Frequency#28473DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese history,功臣 have often played crucial roles in dynastic changes, and their legacies are celebrated in literature and folklore. The term is significant in discussions about loyalty and service in modern Chinese society.

Memory tip

Think of 功 (gōng) as a 'gong' ringing out to celebrate achievements, while 臣 (chén) resembles a 'chen' (similar to a servant) who serves the emperor. Together, they represent a minister who has earned acclaim through their service.

Meanings of 功臣

gōngchén(gong1chen2)
1minister who has given outstanding service
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About 功臣

功臣Simplified
11Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 功臣

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AI study notes for 功臣

Quick Contrast

功勋 (gōngxūn) - use 功臣 (gōngchén) when specifically referring to a minister or official, while 功勋 emphasizes the merit or achievement itself, not the position.

Usage Notes

功臣 is typically used in formal contexts to discuss historical figures or notable contributions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 功夫 (gōngfu), which means skill or effort; remember, 功臣 focuses on service rather than skill. Be cautious about the tone, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 功臣 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to concepts of achievement and service, which are common in HSK Level 4 and above. Students should focus on using it in historical contexts to deepen their understanding of Chinese political discourse.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 功臣 with 功夫 (gōngfu), which means skill or effort; remember, 功臣 specifically refers to a minister with outstanding service. Another mistake is misusing it in informal settings, where simpler terms may be more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 功臣

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Component characters

功gōngmeritorious deed or service
HSK 75 strokes力
View full entry
臣chénstate official or subject in dynastic China
6 strokes臣
View full entry

How to say minister who has given outstanding service in Chinese

“minister who has given outstanding service” in Chinese is功臣gōngchén

功臣 (gōngchén) refers to a minister or official who has rendered outstanding service, especially in a military context. This term is used to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the state or a leader, often in historical or political discussions.

When to use 功臣

功臣 is typically used in formal contexts to discuss historical figures or notable contributions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 功夫 (gōngfu), which means skill or effort; remember, 功臣 focuses on service rather than skill. Be cautious about the tone, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning.

功臣 or something close to it

功勋 (gōngxūn) - use 功臣 (gōngchén) when specifically referring to a minister or official, while 功勋 emphasizes the merit or achievement itself, not the position.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 功臣 with 功夫 (gōngfu), which means skill or effort; remember, 功臣 specifically refers to a minister with outstanding service. Another mistake is misusing it in informal settings, where simpler terms may be more appropriate.

Write 功臣

功
臣

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Frequently asked questions about 功臣

No, 功臣 is more commonly found in formal or historical contexts rather than in casual conversations.

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