5th earthly branch: 7-9 a.m., 3rd solar month (5th April-4th May), year of the Dragon
ng, 7 strokes, radical 辰, rank #25529, Very Hard
辰
chén
early morning; fortune, good luck; 5th terrestrial branch
ng, 7 strokes, radical 辰, rank #25529, Very Hard
辰
chén
ancient Chinese compass point: 120°
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 辰, rank #25529, Very Hard
chén(chen2) T2
15th earthly branch: 7-9 a.m., 3rd solar month (5th April-4th May), year of the Dragon
2early morning; fortune, good luck; 5th terrestrial branch
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March 24, 2026
辰chén(chen2)
The character 辰 (chén) primarily represents the 5th earthly branch in the Chinese zodiac, which corresponds to the year of the Dragon and the time period from 7 to 9 a.m. It is also associated with the third solar month, indicating a specific time in the lunar calendar. Additionally, 辰 can imply fortune or good luck in various contexts.
Strokes7Radical辰Frequency#25529DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the Dragon is a powerful symbol of strength and good fortune, making the 辰 year particularly auspicious for many. Traditional celebrations often align with the lunar calendar's significance of this character.
Memory Tip
Think of 辰 as a dragon (the symbol of good fortune) rising in the early morning light, representing the time frame of 7 to 9 a.m. The character's left component resembles a dragon's tail, while the right side suggests the sun rising, signifying the dawn of good luck.
Meanings of 辰
chén(chen2)
15th earthly branch: 7-9 a.m., 3rd solar month (5th April-4th May), year of the Dragon
2early morning; fortune, good luck; 5th terrestrial branch
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 辰
辰Simplified
7Strokes
辰Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#25529Frequency Rank
Podcast: 辰
Podcast: 辰
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AI Study Notes for 辰
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 辰 with other earthly branches due to similar pronunciations. It's typically used in more formal contexts related to astrology and timekeeping. Be cautious with tones; the correct pronunciation is 'chén' with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although 辰 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to words related to time and astrology, which are useful for learners at higher levels. Focus on pronunciation and the context in which 辰 is used to deepen understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often write 辰 incorrectly by mixing it up with other characters, such as 巳 (sì). A common mistake is using 辰 when referring to the time period of noon instead of the correct period of early morning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 辰
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 辰?
Decomposition of 辰
IDS Structure⿸厂⿱二？
辰Full Character
=
厂chang3
enclosing
二er4
top
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 辰?
How to say 5th earthly branch: 7-9 a.m., 3rd solar month (5th April-4th May), year of the Dragon in Chinese
“5th earthly branch: 7-9 a.m., 3rd solar month (5th April-4th May), year of the Dragon” in Chinese is辰chén
The character 辰 (chén) primarily represents the 5th earthly branch in the Chinese zodiac, which corresponds to the year of the Dragon and the time period from 7 to 9 a.m. It is also associated with the third solar month, indicating a specific time in the lunar calendar. Additionally, 辰 can imply fortune or good luck in various contexts.
When to use 辰
Learners often confuse 辰 with other earthly branches due to similar pronunciations. It's typically used in more formal contexts related to astrology and timekeeping. Be cautious with tones; the correct pronunciation is 'chén' with a rising tone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often write 辰 incorrectly by mixing it up with other characters, such as 巳 (sì). A common mistake is using 辰 when referring to the time period of noon instead of the correct period of early morning.
Write 辰
辰
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Practice writing 辰 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 辰
辰 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 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.
