Meanings of 当
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 当
Podcast: 当
Podcast: 当
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 当
当 (dāng) vs 担 (dān) — use 当 when indicating a role or function, while 担 is used for carrying or bearing something.
Be careful not to confuse '当' with similar-sounding words. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but when used to mean 'should' or 'ought to,' it conveys a sense of obligation. Common collocations include '当老师' (to be a teacher) and '当时' (at that time).
As an HSK Level 4 word, '当' connects to other practical verbs and expressions related to roles and responsibilities. Focus on its various meanings and how it can be used in different contexts, such as in expressions of obligation or suitability.
Learners often misuse '当' by confusing it with '是' (shì) when expressing identity. For example, saying '我当老师' (I am a teacher) is correct, while '我是当老师' is incorrect; simply use '我当老师' without '是'.
Pronunciation of 当
Drill the tone of 当 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 当
Phonosemantic compound. 田 represents the meaning and 尚 represents the sound. The contribution of the 田 (field) component to the meaning is unclear. The simplified character 当 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 當.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 当
Phonosemantic compound. 田 represents the meaning and 尚 represents the sound. The contribution of the 田 (field) component to the meaning is unclear. The simplified character 当 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 當.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 当? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 当?
Decomposition of 当
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 当?
How to say to act as in Chinese
“to act as” in Chinese is当
The character '当' (dāng) primarily means 'to be' or 'to act as.' It is commonly used to indicate a role or function someone or something fulfills, such as serving in a position. It can also convey the idea of appropriateness or suitability in various contexts, such as time and place.
When to use 当
Be careful not to confuse '当' with similar-sounding words. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but when used to mean 'should' or 'ought to,' it conveys a sense of obligation. Common collocations include '当老师' (to be a teacher) and '当时' (at that time).
当 or something close to it
当 (dāng) vs 担 (dān) — use 当 when indicating a role or function, while 担 is used for carrying or bearing something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '当' by confusing it with '是' (shì) when expressing identity. For example, saying '我当老师' (I am a teacher) is correct, while '我是当老师' is incorrect; simply use '我当老师' without '是'.
Write 当
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 当 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 当
当 carries 29 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
____他进来的时候，我们正在看电视。
When he came in, we were watching TV.
Example Sentences for 当 (10)
Word Family of 当
Compound Meaning
What does 档 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 当
'当' is often used in phrases like '当老师' (to be a teacher) and '当时' (at that time). It indicates the function or role someone has.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 当?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.