Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
胀(脹)zhàng(zhang4)
The character 胀 (zhàng) refers to a state of swelling or bloating, often associated with an excess of fluid or pressure in a body part. It is commonly used in medical contexts to describe conditions where parts of the body become enlarged or distended, such as in dropsy or bloating after eating. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe inflation or an increase in size or intensity.
Strokes8Radical⺼Frequency#13879DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of swelling is often linked to the balance of fluids and energy in the body, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Conditions described by 胀 may be treated through herbal remedies or dietary adjustments, showcasing the cultural emphasis on natural healing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a balloon (representing the character 胀) that is being filled with air, causing it to swell and stretch. The left side of the character (月) represents something round or fleshy, hinting at the idea of swelling, while the right side (章) can remind you of 'changing' as it balloons in size. Together, they evoke the image of something that is getting larger and bloated.
Meanings of 胀
zhàng(zhang4)
1dropsical
2swollen
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 胀
胀Simplified
脹Traditional
8Strokes
⺼Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#13879Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 胀
Podcast: 胀
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 胀
Quick Contrast
胀 (zhàng) vs 膨 (péng) — use 胀 for medical contexts of swelling, while 膨 is more general for physical expansion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a balloon (representing the character 胀) that is being filled with air, causing it to swell and stretch. The left side of the character (月) represents something round or fleshy, hinting at the idea of swelling, while the right side (章) can remind you of 'changing' as it balloons in size. Together, they evoke the image of something that is getting larger and bloated.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in medical or descriptive contexts, and learners should be aware that it can carry both physical and metaphorical meanings. A common mistake is confusing 胀 with 肿 (zhǒng), which also means 'swollen' but often refers to inflammation. Pay attention to the tone; 胀 is pronounced with a falling tone, which can be mistaken for a rising tone if not practiced carefully.
HSK Study Tips
Although 胀 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it enriches your medical and descriptive language skills at higher levels. It connects with words like 肿 (zhǒng) and 膨胀 (péngzhàng), which also deal with swelling and expansion. Focus on pronunciation and contextual usage to differentiate these terms.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of swelling is often linked to the balance of fluids and energy in the body, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Conditions described by 胀 may be treated through herbal remedies or dietary adjustments, showcasing the cultural emphasis on natural healing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 胀 with similar-sounding characters like 障 (zhàng), which means 'obstacle.' For example, saying 胀 instead of 障 when discussing barriers can lead to misunderstandings. Remember, 胀 specifically relates to swelling or bloating.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 胀
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 胀 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 胀 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 胀
胀 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
通货膨____的下降是长期经济衰退中的一线转机。
The fall in inflation is the silver lining of the prolonged recession.
Example Sentences for 胀 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
通货膨胀的下降是长期经济衰退中的一线转机。
tōng huò péng zhàng de xià jiàng shì cháng qī jīng jì shuāi tuì zhōng de yī xiàn zhuǎn jī。
The fall in inflation is the silver lining of the prolonged recession.
The threat of inflation is already evident in bond prices.
9
龙的毒素会引起瘫痪、肿胀和恶心。
lóng de dú sù huì yǐn qǐ tān huàn、 、 zhǒng zhàng hé è。
Poison from the weaver fish causes paralysis, swelling, and nausea.
10
如果再发生严重的通货膨胀，那么利率就会迅速上调。
rú guǒ zài fā shēng yán zhòng de tōng huò péng zhàng， ， nà mó lì shuài jiù huì xùn sù shàng。
If raging inflation returns, then interest rates will shoot up.
Cultural Notes for 胀
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of swelling is often linked to the balance of fluids and energy in the body, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Conditions described by 胀 may be treated through herbal remedies or dietary adjustments, showcasing the cultural emphasis on natural healing.
Word Family of 胀
Words Containing This Character11
膨胀péngzhàngto expand膨脹
胀zhàngdropsical脹
肿胀swelling腫脹
通货膨胀tōnghuòpéngzhànginflation通貨膨脹
通胀inflation通脹
头昏脑胀giddy頭昏腦脹
通胀率inflation rate通脹率
发胀to swell up發脹
滞胀stagflation (i.e. simultaneous inflation and stagnation)滯脹
鼓胀to swell鼓脹
胀大swollen脹大
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 膨胀 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 胀
While both words describe swelling, 胀 (zhàng) is often used for general bloating or fullness, whereas 肿 (zhǒng) implies inflammation and is associated with injury or disease.
Not typically; 胀 is primarily physical in nature. For emotional states, words like 压力 (yālì - pressure) might be more appropriate.
It is pronounced with a falling tone, zhàng, which is crucial as mispronouncing it with a rising tone can change its meaning.
