gentleman, man, husband; unit of length equal to 3.3 meters
n, 3 strokes, radical 一, rank #24235, Very Hard
丈
zhàng
measure of length, ten Chinese feet (3.3 m)
unknown, 3 strokes, radical 一, rank #24235, Very Hard
丈
zhàng
to measure
unknown, 3 strokes, radical 一, rank #24235, Very Hard
丈
zhàng
polite appellation for an older male
unknown, 3 strokes, radical 一, rank #24235, Very Hard
zhàng(zhang4)zhang T4
1ten feet
2gentleman, man, husband; unit of length equal to 3.3 meters
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March 24, 2026
丈zhàng(zhang4)
The character 丈 (zhàng) primarily refers to a unit of length equivalent to approximately 3.3 meters, traditionally representing ten Chinese feet. It can also denote a gentleman or an older male, often used as a polite term for a husband or a respected man. The character embodies both a measurement and a respectful address, reflecting its versatility in everyday Chinese language.
Strokes3Radical一Frequency#24235DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of measuring length is deeply embedded in practices like land surveying and architecture, making 丈 a significant term. The use of respectful titles for older males reflects the cultural value placed on age and wisdom in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall gentleman standing ten feet tall, measuring out his height with a traditional ruler marked in Chinese feet. The character 丈 visually resembles a person standing upright (the top line) with a horizontal line representing the ground, emphasizing the concept of height and measurement.
Meanings of 丈
zhàng(zhang4)
1ten feet
2gentleman, man, husband; unit of length equal to 3.3 meters
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About 丈
丈Simplified
3Strokes
一Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#24235Frequency Rank
Podcast: 丈
Podcast: 丈
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AI Study Notes for 丈
Usage Notes
When using 丈 to refer to a length, remember that it's often paired with other measurement terms. In colloquial contexts, avoid using it for informal references to men, as it carries a more respectful tone. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing zhàng can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
Although 丈 is not in the HSK curriculum, it connects to related measurement and familial terms. Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in context, especially in conversations about distance or respect towards older males.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 丈 with other measurement units like 米 (mǐ, meter) or 里 (lǐ, mile), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有一丈的绳子' (I have a rope of one zhang) is correct, while saying '我有一米的绳子' (I have a rope of one zhang) would be incorrect if you intend to refer to a length of zhang.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 丈
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Knowing 丈 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 丈 (zhàng) primarily refers to a unit of length equivalent to approximately 3.3 meters, traditionally representing ten Chinese feet. It can also denote a gentleman or an older male, often used as a polite term for a husband or a respected man. The character embodies both a measurement and a respectful address, reflecting its versatility in everyday Chinese language.
When to use 丈
When using 丈 to refer to a length, remember that it's often paired with other measurement terms. In colloquial contexts, avoid using it for informal references to men, as it carries a more respectful tone. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing zhàng can change the meaning entirely.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 丈 with other measurement units like 米 (mǐ, meter) or 里 (lǐ, mile), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有一丈的绳子' (I have a rope of one zhang) is correct, while saying '我有一米的绳子' (I have a rope of one zhang) would be incorrect if you intend to refer to a length of zhang.
Write 丈
丈
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Practice writing 丈 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 丈
丈 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 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.
