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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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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
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.
1The giveawaySimplified form of 東, the sun 日 rising behind a tree 木
2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 东? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 东?
Decomposition of 东
IDS Structure⿻七小
东Full Character
=
七qi1
outer
小xiao3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 东?
How to say surname Dong in Chinese
“surname Dong” in Chinese is东dōng
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.
