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March 24, 2026
澄(澂)chéng(cheng2)
The character 澄 (chéng) primarily refers to the clarity and purity of a liquid. It is often used in contexts concerning water or other fluids that have settled to become clear and free of impurities. Additionally, it can imply the act of clarifying or purifying something, both literally and metaphorically.
Strokes15Radical氵Frequency#44400DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, clear and pure water symbolizes wisdom and clarity of thought, making 澄 important in poetry and literature. This character often appears in discussions about environmental issues, emphasizing the value of clean water.
Memory tip
Imagine a clear, sparkling lake where the water has settled perfectly. The character 澄 resembles a flowing stream (氵) and a 'pure' mind (青) that reflects the serene water, helping you remember that it means 'clear' or 'to clarify'.
Meanings of 澄
chéng(cheng2)
primary
1(of liquid) to settle
2clear
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 澄 means.
About 澄
澄Simplified
澂Traditional
15Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#44400Frequency Rank
Podcast: 澄
Podcast: 澄
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AI study notes for 澄
Quick Contrast
清 (qīng) — use 澄 when emphasizing settled clarity, while 清 focuses on general cleanliness or clarity without the settling aspect.
Usage Notes
澄 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in literary or poetic language to describe clear waters or clarity of thought. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 成 (chéng), which means 'to become' or 'to accomplish'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 澄 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for students at the HSK 3-4 level who are expanding their descriptive language. Focus on its usage in contexts discussing nature, clarity, and purity to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 澄 (chéng) with similar characters like 清 (qīng), leading to incorrect usage when describing clarity. For example, saying '水清了' (shuǐ qīng le) instead of '水澄了' (shuǐ chéng le) can change the meaning from 'the water is clear' to a more general statement that lacks the nuance of settling.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 澄
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 澄 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.
澄 = 氵 + 登. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 澄
IDS Structure⿰氵登
澄Full character
=
氵shui3
left
登deng1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 澄?
How to say surname Cheng in Chinese
“surname Cheng” in Chinese is澄chéng
The character 澄 (chéng) primarily refers to the clarity and purity of a liquid. It is often used in contexts concerning water or other fluids that have settled to become clear and free of impurities. Additionally, it can imply the act of clarifying or purifying something, both literally and metaphorically.
When to use 澄
澄 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often in literary or poetic language to describe clear waters or clarity of thought. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding characters like 成 (chéng), which means 'to become' or 'to accomplish'.
澄 or something close to it
清 (qīng) — use 澄 when emphasizing settled clarity, while 清 focuses on general cleanliness or clarity without the settling aspect.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 澄 (chéng) with similar characters like 清 (qīng), leading to incorrect usage when describing clarity. For example, saying '水清了' (shuǐ qīng le) instead of '水澄了' (shuǐ chéng le) can change the meaning from 'the water is clear' to a more general statement that lacks the nuance of settling.
Write 澄
澄
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Grammar patterns of 澄
澄 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 8 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.
