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March 24, 2026
钲(鉦)zhēng(zheng1)
The character 钲 (zhēng) refers to a type of gong that is typically used in military contexts to signal troops, often to halt or redirect them. This gong has a strong and resonant sound, making it effective for communication on the battlefield. In modern usage, it may also be used in ceremonial contexts, reflecting its historical significance.
Strokes10Radical钅Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The use of gongs like 钲 in ancient Chinese military practices highlights the significance of sound in communication and signaling during battles. Gongs were not just instruments but tools of discipline and order within the ranks.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, shiny gong that looks like a shield made of metal (like 钲). The sound it makes is loud enough to command attention, just like a general would command an army. Picture a general striking the gong to halt his troops at a critical moment, emphasizing its importance.
Meanings of 钲
zhēng(zheng1)
1an army's marching gong
2gong used to halt troops
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 钲
钲Simplified
鉦Traditional
10Strokes
钅Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 钲
Podcast: 钲
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AI Study Notes for 钲
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large, shiny gong that looks like a shield made of metal (like 钲). The sound it makes is loud enough to command attention, just like a general would command an army. Picture a general striking the gong to halt his troops at a critical moment, emphasizing its importance.
Usage Notes
This character is mostly used in formal or historical contexts, particularly related to military themes. Learners should be cautious about using it in everyday conversations, as it may seem overly formal or archaic. Common collocations include '军队钲' (military gong) and '停止钲' (halt gong).
HSK Study Tips
Although 钲 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to military-themed vocabulary that learners may encounter in historical texts or films. Students should focus on recognizing the character and understanding its specific context rather than using it in everyday conversation.
Cultural Note
The use of gongs like 钲 in ancient Chinese military practices highlights the significance of sound in communication and signaling during battles. Gongs were not just instruments but tools of discipline and order within the ranks.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 钲 with other similar characters like 锣 (luó), which refers to a different type of gong. For example, saying '我听到了锣' (I heard the gong) when they meant '钲' would be incorrect in a military context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钲
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Cultural Notes for 钲
🏮Cultural insight
The use of gongs like 钲 in ancient Chinese military practices highlights the significance of sound in communication and signaling during battles. Gongs were not just instruments but tools of discipline and order within the ranks.
Word Family of 钲
Words Containing This Character1
钲zhēnggong used to halt troops鉦
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 钲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 钲
While it primarily has historical military relevance, it can still be encountered in discussions about traditional ceremonies or historical reenactments.
钲 is pronounced as 'zhēng', with a high-level tone.
Yes, there are various types of gongs used in different contexts, such as the '锣' (luó) which is often used in festivals.
