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March 24, 2026
终(終)zhōng(zhong1)
The character 终 (zhōng) means 'end' or 'finish.' It is often used to indicate the conclusion of an event, process, or time period. In some contexts, it can also imply a sense of finality or ultimate resolution.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#4028DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of endings is often tied to the idea of closure and new beginnings, reflected in sayings like '每一个结束都是新的开始' (every end is a new beginning). This perspective is common during significant life events, such as graduations or transitions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race that finally reaches its finish line, marked by the character 终. The left part (终) resembles a running track, and the right part (一) can symbolize the final step, helping you remember that it signifies the end.
Meanings of 终
zhōng(zhong1)
1end
2finish
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 终
终Simplified
終Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#4028Frequency Rank
Podcast: 终
Podcast: 终
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AI Study Notes for 终
Quick Contrast
终 (zhōng) vs 完 (wán): use 终 when emphasizing the end of a process or event, while 完 indicates completion of a task or action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a race that finally reaches its finish line, marked by the character 终. The left part (终) resembles a running track, and the right part (一) can symbolize the final step, helping you remember that it signifies the end.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 终 with similar words like 完 (wán), which means 'to complete' but can imply finishing something that is not necessarily at an end point. 终 is typically more formal and can be used in literary contexts, while 完 is more common in everyday speech.
HSK Study Tips
Although 终 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is related to other words at similar levels, such as 结束 (jiéshù, to end) and 完成 (wánchéng, to complete). Focus on recognizing its usage in phrases and idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of endings is often tied to the idea of closure and new beginnings, reflected in sayings like '每一个结束都是新的开始' (every end is a new beginning). This perspective is common during significant life events, such as graduations or transitions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 终 in informal contexts, mistakenly thinking it can replace 完. For example, saying '我完了' (I finished) instead of '我结束了' (I ended) can sound awkward if not used correctly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 终
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Grammar Patterns of 终
终 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 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.
In Chinese culture, the concept of endings is often tied to the idea of closure and new beginnings, reflected in sayings like '每一个结束都是新的开始' (every end is a new beginning). This perspective is common during significant life events, such as graduations or transitions.
Word Family of 终
Words Containing This Character20
终于zhōngyúat last終於
最终zuìzhōngfinal最終
始终shǐzhōngall along始終
终zhōngend終
终点zhōngdiǎnthe end終點
终身zhōngshēnlifelong終身
终结zhōngjiéend終結
终止zhōngzhǐto stop終止
终极ultimate終極
终究zhōngjiūin the end終究
终端end終端
终生zhōngshēnglifetime終生
年终niánzhōngend of the year年終
临终approaching one's end臨終
告终to end告終
自始至终zìshǐzhìzhōngfrom start to finish (idiom)自始至終
终日all day long終日
终点站terminus終點站
年终奖year-end bonus年終獎
终场end (of a performance or sports match)終場
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 终于 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 终
Some synonyms for 终 include 结束 (jiéshù), which also means 'to finish', and 完成 (wánchéng), meaning 'to complete'. These words can be used interchangeably in various contexts to convey the idea of an ending.
Yes, 终 can appear in idiomatic expressions. For example, '终究' (zhōngjiū) means 'eventually' or 'after all'. This usage highlights the idea of something that happens in the end, despite any previous circumstances.
终 (zhōng) means 'end' or 'finish' in Chinese. It can be used to indicate the conclusion of an event or process. Additionally, it can also imply a sense of finality, as in 'finally' or 'in the end'.
You can use 终 in sentences to express the conclusion of an action. For instance, you might say, '这件事情终于结束了' (Zhè jiàn shìqíng zhōngyú jiéshùle), which means 'This matter has finally come to an end.' It emphasizes the completion of something.
终 signifies a definitive end, while 完 generally means to complete something that may not have a clear end.
Yes, but it's more commonly found in literary or formal contexts.
Yes, phrases like 终于 (zhōngyú, finally) and 终点 (zhōngdiǎn, endpoint) are frequently used.
