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March 24, 2026
东(東)dōng(dong1)
The character '东' (dōng) primarily means 'east' and is often associated with directions, particularly in relation to geography or orientation. It can also refer to a host or landlord, particularly in contexts where seating arrangements are important, such as in traditional dining settings. The nuance of '东' as a direction conveys cultural significance, as it relates to the sun's rising in the east.
Strokes5Radical一Frequency#1924DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the direction east is significant as it is associated with rebirth and new beginnings, symbolized by the sunrise. This can be seen in practices such as feng shui, where the orientation of buildings and rooms are often dictated by direction.
Memory tip
To remember '东', visualize the sun rising in the east, illuminating the letter 'D' (for '东') as it dawns. Imagine a host (maybe a friendly landlord) welcoming guests from the eastern side of a table, symbolizing the warmth of the sun and hospitality.
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AI study notes for 东
Quick Contrast
南 (nán, south) - Use '东' when referring to the east direction specifically, while '南' indicates the south.
Usage Notes
'东' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken with its pronunciation, especially the tone. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar sounding characters, so be attentive to its tone and context. Typical collocations include '东方' (Oriental, eastern), '东边' (eastern side), and '东风' (east wind).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '东' connects to other directional words like '南' (south), '西' (west), and '北' (north). Students should focus on using '东' in sentences to practice its application in direction or location-based contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '东' with '冬' (winter) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that '冬' has a falling tone. Another mistake is using '东' inappropriately in phrases where a different directional character is required, such as saying '东边的西' (eastern west) instead of '西边的东' (western east).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 东
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Learning Lab
Knowing 东 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Pictograph of a basket or a bag. The current meaning "east" is a phonetic loan. The simplified character 东 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 東.
Memory hint
Simplified form of 東, the sun 日 rising behind a tree 木
The character '东' (dōng) primarily means 'east' and is often associated with directions, particularly in relation to geography or orientation. It can also refer to a host or landlord, particularly in contexts where seating arrangements are important, such as in traditional dining settings. The nuance of '东' as a direction conveys cultural significance, as it relates to the sun's rising in the east.
When to use 东
'东' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken with its pronunciation, especially the tone. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar sounding characters, so be attentive to its tone and context. Typical collocations include '东方' (Oriental, eastern), '东边' (eastern side), and '东风' (east wind).
东 or something close to it
南 (nán, south) - Use '东' when referring to the east direction specifically, while '南' indicates the south.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '东' with '冬' (winter) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that '冬' has a falling tone. Another mistake is using '东' inappropriately in phrases where a different directional character is required, such as saying '东边的西' (eastern west) instead of '西边的东' (western east).
Write 东
东
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Grammar patterns of 东
东 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 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.
