to decide, to fix, to settle; to order; definite, fixed, sure
HSK 4, v, 8 strokes, radical 宀, rank #392, Medium
dìng(ding4) T4
1to set
2to fix
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March 24, 2026
定dìng(ding4)
The character 定 (dìng) means to set, fix, determine, or decide something. It is commonly used in contexts where a decision is made, such as setting a date or fixing a price. The nuance implies a sense of certainty and finality in the action.
Strokes8Radical宀Frequency#392DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of making fixed decisions is often associated with the importance of stability and reliability, particularly in business and personal commitments. For instance, setting a wedding date is considered a significant step in Chinese traditions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person ‘setting’ a table for a dinner party. The character 定 looks like a table with a roof (the top part) and legs (the bottom part) symbolizing something stable and fixed. Remember the sound 'dìng' as you imagine the clinking of dishes being ‘set’ on the table.
Meanings of 定
dìng(ding4)
1to set
2to fix
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 定
定Simplified
8Strokes
宀Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#392Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2BCT✓CEFRB1
Podcast: 定
Podcast: 定
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AI Study Notes for 定
Quick Contrast
确定 (quèdìng) is used when emphasizing the confirmation or assurance of something, while 定 (dìng) focuses more on the act of setting or deciding.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 定 with similar-sounding words that convey different meanings. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it’s essential to pair it with appropriate nouns for clarity, such as 定价 (fixed price) or 决定 (decision).
HSK Study Tips
定 is relevant to HSK Level 3 and 4, connecting with words like 决定 (juédìng - to decide) and 设定 (shèdìng - to set up). Students should focus on its use in decision-making contexts and practice forming phrases with it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 定 by saying things like '我定了这个' (Wǒ dìngle zhège) when they mean 'I reserved this' instead of 'I decided this.' The correct term for reserving is 预定 (yùdìng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 定
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Phonosemantic compound. 宀 represents the meaning and 正 represents the sound.
1The giveawayA person 疋 settling under a roof 宀
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 定? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 定?
Decomposition of 定
IDS Structure⿱宀疋
定Full Character
=
宀gai4
top
疋pi3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 定?
How to say to set in Chinese
“to set” in Chinese is定dìng
The character 定 (dìng) means to set, fix, determine, or decide something. It is commonly used in contexts where a decision is made, such as setting a date or fixing a price. The nuance implies a sense of certainty and finality in the action.
When to use 定
Be cautious not to confuse 定 with similar-sounding words that convey different meanings. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it’s essential to pair it with appropriate nouns for clarity, such as 定价 (fixed price) or 决定 (decision).
定 or something close to it
确定 (quèdìng) is used when emphasizing the confirmation or assurance of something, while 定 (dìng) focuses more on the act of setting or deciding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 定 by saying things like '我定了这个' (Wǒ dìngle zhège) when they mean 'I reserved this' instead of 'I decided this.' The correct term for reserving is 预定 (yùdìng).
Write 定
定
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Practice writing 定 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 定
定 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 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.
