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March 24, 2026
嶂zhàng(zhang4)
The character 嶂 (zhàng) refers to a cliff or a barrier formed by a mountain range. It is often used to describe rugged terrain and natural formations that rise steeply, symbolizing obstacles or challenges in both a physical and metaphorical sense. In literature, it may evoke feelings of awe or intimidation when confronted with nature's grandeur.
Strokes14Radical山Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and cliffs are often seen as symbols of strength and endurance. They are frequently referenced in poetry and art, representing both physical beauty and spiritual challenges that one must overcome.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zhàng' (cliff) where the mountain peaks form a protective barrier. Visualize standing at the edge of a steep drop, the jagged rocks resembling the character's form, with the top part suggesting a mountain peak and the bottom part grounding it in the earth.
Meanings of 嶂
zhàng(zhang4)
1cliff; the barrier formed by a mountain range
2range of peaks
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 嶂
嶂Simplified
14Strokes
山Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 嶂
Podcast: 嶂
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AI Study Notes for 嶂
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zhàng' (cliff) where the mountain peaks form a protective barrier. Visualize standing at the edge of a steep drop, the jagged rocks resembling the character's form, with the top part suggesting a mountain peak and the bottom part grounding it in the earth.
Usage Notes
While 嶂 is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in literary contexts and descriptions of landscapes. Be mindful of the tone; it is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone), which can be confused with similar-sounding words. Common collocations include phrases related to nature or geographical features.
HSK Study Tips
Although 嶂 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enrich your descriptions of landscapes in Chinese. Focus on learning related terms like 山 (shān, mountain) and 峭壁 (qiàobì, cliff) to connect this character with broader vocabulary about nature.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, mountains and cliffs are often seen as symbols of strength and endurance. They are frequently referenced in poetry and art, representing both physical beauty and spiritual challenges that one must overcome.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 嶂 with similar characters that represent different types of natural formations, such as 山 (shān, mountain). Always ensure you are using the correct character based on the context you intend to convey.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 嶂
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Cultural Notes for 嶂
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, mountains and cliffs are often seen as symbols of strength and endurance. They are frequently referenced in poetry and art, representing both physical beauty and spiritual challenges that one must overcome.
Word Family of 嶂
Words Containing This Character3
嶂zhàngcliff
层峦叠嶂range upon range of mountains (idiom)層巒疊嶂
重峦叠嶂range upon range of mountains (idiom)重巒疊嶂
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 嶂 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 嶂
It is pronounced as zhàng, with a falling tone.
While it primarily refers to cliffs and mountain ranges, it can also metaphorically describe obstacles or barriers in life.
No, it is more commonly found in literary contexts or when discussing geography.
