Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
崢 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
zhēnghigh, lofty, noble; perilous, steepx, 11 strokes, radical 山, Very Hard
zhēng(zheng1) T1
  1. 1high, lofty, noble; perilous, steep
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

zhēng(zheng1)

The character 崢 (zhēng) conveys a sense of height or steepness, often associated with lofty or noble qualities. It is commonly used to describe mountainous terrain or situations that are perilous and challenging. In literature, it can symbolize ambition or the pursuit of greatness, emphasizing both physical and metaphorical heights.

Strokes11RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, mountains symbolize strength and stability. The use of 崢 in poetry often reflects the admiration for natural beauty and the human spirit's resilience when faced with steep challenges, mirroring the cultural value placed on perseverance.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tall mountain peak (the top of which is 崢) that stands high above the clouds, representing lofty aspirations. The character looks like a mountain (山) with a sense of elevation, which connects to its meaning of steepness and nobility. Picture someone striving to reach this peak, embodying the spirit of 崢.

Meanings of 崢

zhēng(zheng1)
1high, lofty, noble; perilous, steep
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 崢

Simplified
11Strokes
Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 崢

JasonAmy

Podcast:

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 崢

Quick Contrast

巍 (wēi) - use 崢 for a sense of steepness or challenge, while 巍 emphasizes grandeur and majesty.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a tall mountain peak (the top of which is 崢) that stands high above the clouds, representing lofty aspirations. The character looks like a mountain (山) with a sense of elevation, which connects to its meaning of steepness and nobility. Picture someone striving to reach this peak, embodying the spirit of 崢.

Usage Notes

崢 is typically used in literary or formal contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 崢嶸 (zhēng róng), which means towering or majestic. Be cautious with the tone; mispronouncing the first tone can change its meaning.

HSK Study Tips

While 崢 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it can enhance vocabulary at higher levels for students interested in literature or formal writing. Focus on understanding its use in context, especially when discussing nature or ambitions.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, mountains symbolize strength and stability. The use of 崢 in poetry often reflects the admiration for natural beauty and the human spirit's resilience when faced with steep challenges, mirroring the cultural value placed on perseverance.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 崢 with similar-sounding characters. For example, using '争' (zhēng, to fight or compete) instead of 崢 is a common error; remember that 崢 relates to height and steepness, not conflict.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 崢

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 崢

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

mountain

Semantic (meaning)
+
Phonetic (sound)
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 崢?

Decomposition of 崢

IDS Structure⿰山爭
Full Character
=
Shan1
left
zheng1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 崢?

Write 崢

Practice writing stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 崢

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, mountains symbolize strength and stability. The use of 崢 in poetry often reflects the admiration for natural beauty and the human spirit's resilience when faced with steep challenges, mirroring the cultural value placed on perseverance.

Word Family of 崢

Words Containing This Character4
zhēngexcel
峥嵘towering崢嶸
岁月峥嵘eventful years歲月崢嶸
头角峥嵘promise of brilliant young person (idiom); showing extraordinary gifts頭角崢嶸
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 峥 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 崢

It is more commonly used in literary contexts rather than everyday speech to describe high or steep places.