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当真 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
当真dàngzhēnto take seriouslyHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5381, Very Hard
当真dàngzhēnseriousHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5381, Very Hard
当真dàngzhēnNo joking, really!HSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #5381, Very Hard
dàngzhēn(dang4zhen1)dang zhen T4
  1. 1to take seriously
  2. 2serious
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March 24, 2026

当真(當真)dàngzhēn(dang4zhen1)

当真 (dāng zhēn) means to take something seriously or to believe that something is true. It is often used in contexts where someone wants to clarify that they are not joking and are being sincere about a situation or statement.

Strokes16Frequency#5381DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, taking things seriously is often valued, especially in interpersonal relationships. Using 当真 can emphasize the importance of honesty and sincerity in communication, reflecting cultural attitudes towards trust.

Memory tip

Imagine someone saying '当真!' with a serious face, as if to say, 'Don't take this lightly, I'm serious!' The character 当 (dāng) has a sense of 'being' or 'acting as', while 真 (zhēn) means 'true' or 'real'. Together, they form a reminder to take things as they truly are.

Meanings of 当真

dàngzhēn(dang4zhen1)
1to take seriously
2serious
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About 当真

当真Simplified
當真Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
副动词dòngcíverb-adverb (v.-adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 当真

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AI study notes for 当真

Quick Contrast

真 (zhēn) - use 当真 when emphasizing seriousness in belief; use 真 for general truthfulness.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 当真 in overly casual contexts where a lighter expression may be appropriate. It is often used in informal conversations, so be mindful of the register when speaking with superiors or in formal settings. Remember that the tone is crucial; misplacing the tones could change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Although 当真 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is useful for learners at HSK Level 3 and above as it conveys seriousness, which can enhance conversational skills. Focus on practicing its usage in daily conversations to express sincerity.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 当真 with similar expressions like 真的 and use it incorrectly in serious contexts. For example, saying '我不当真' to mean 'I don't take it seriously' can sound awkward; instead, say '我不觉得这是认真的'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 当真

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Component characters

当dāngto act as
HSK 46 strokes⺌
View full entry
真zhēnreally
HSK 110 strokes目
View full entry

How to say to take seriously in Chinese

“to take seriously” in Chinese is当真dàngzhēn

当真 (dāng zhēn) means to take something seriously or to believe that something is true. It is often used in contexts where someone wants to clarify that they are not joking and are being sincere about a situation or statement.

When to use 当真

Common mistakes include using 当真 in overly casual contexts where a lighter expression may be appropriate. It is often used in informal conversations, so be mindful of the register when speaking with superiors or in formal settings. Remember that the tone is crucial; misplacing the tones could change the meaning.

当真 or something close to it

真 (zhēn) - use 当真 when emphasizing seriousness in belief; use 真 for general truthfulness.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 当真 with similar expressions like 真的 and use it incorrectly in serious contexts. For example, saying '我不当真' to mean 'I don't take it seriously' can sound awkward; instead, say '我不觉得这是认真的'.

Write 当真

当
真

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Cultural Notes for 当真

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, expressions of seriousness or sincerity may be conveyed through body language or tone, while in Chinese, phrases like 当真 are explicitly stated to clarify intent.

Frequently asked questions about 当真

It's best to use 当真 in informal contexts, as it may come across as too casual in formal situations.

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