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March 24, 2026
箏zhēng(zheng1)
The character 箏 (zhēng) refers to a traditional Chinese string instrument known as the guzheng or zither. It features a long rectangular body with strings stretched across it, which are plucked to produce music. Commonly used in Chinese classical music, it symbolizes cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Strokes14Radical⺮Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The guzheng, represented by 箏, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often associated with ancient poetry and storytelling. It is frequently featured in traditional performances and is an instrument of choice during festivals.
Memory Tip
Think of the character 箏 as a person playing a string instrument. The radical for 'bamboo' (竹) represents the musical strings, while the rest of the character resembles the shape of the instrument. Imagine a zither player in a serene bamboo forest, creating beautiful melodies.
Meanings of 箏
zhēng(zheng1)
1guzheng, zither, string instrument
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 箏
箏Simplified
14Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 箏
Podcast: 箏
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AI Study Notes for 箏
Memory Mnemonic
Think of the character 箏 as a person playing a string instrument. The radical for 'bamboo' (竹) represents the musical strings, while the rest of the character resembles the shape of the instrument. Imagine a zither player in a serene bamboo forest, creating beautiful melodies.
Usage Notes
When referring to the guzheng, it is important to use the correct tone (zhēng) to avoid confusion with other words. In casual settings, you may hear it referred to simply as 'zither.' Be mindful that using the character in a formal context may require additional descriptors to clarify its cultural significance.
HSK Study Tips
Although 箏 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to Level 4-5 words related to music and instruments, such as 音乐 (yīnyuè) for music and 乐器 (yuèqì) for musical instruments. Students should focus on pronunciation and the character's components.
Cultural Note
The guzheng, represented by 箏, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often associated with ancient poetry and storytelling. It is frequently featured in traditional performances and is an instrument of choice during festivals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 箏 with other string instruments due to similar sounds or tones. For example, saying 'zhèng' instead of 'zhēng' can change the meaning entirely. Always practice the correct pronunciation to ensure clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 箏
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Cultural Notes for 箏
🏮Cultural insight
The guzheng, represented by 箏, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, often associated with ancient poetry and storytelling. It is frequently featured in traditional performances and is an instrument of choice during festivals.
Word Family of 箏
Words Containing This Character4
风筝fēngzhengkite風箏
古筝zither or guzheng古箏
筝zhēngJapanese koto箏
断线风筝a kite with cut string (idiom); fig. gone beyond recall斷線風箏
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 风筝 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 箏
A guzheng is a traditional Chinese zither-like instrument with strings that are plucked to create music.
It is pronounced as 'zhēng' with a high level tone.
Yes, the guzheng is used in both traditional and contemporary music, adapting to various genres.
