Meanings of 重
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Podcast: 重
Podcast: 重
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AI Study Notes for 重
重 (zhòng, heavy) vs 轻 (qīng, light) — use 重 when describing something of significant weight or seriousness, while 轻 applies to lighter or less serious contexts.
Be careful not to confuse 重 with 轻 (qīng), which means 'light'. In informal contexts, it is often used to emphasize seriousness, such as in 重视 (zhòngshì, to attach importance to). Pay attention to the tones; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 重 connects well with other vocabulary related to weight and importance, such as 轻 (qīng) and 重要 (zhòngyào, important). Focus on using it in phrases that express repetition or seriousness to strengthen your understanding.
Learners often confuse 重 with 重复 (chóngfù, to repeat), which has a more specific meaning related to repetition. Instead of saying '重重' for 'to repeat', use '重复'.
Pronunciation of 重
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Etymology of 重
Pictograph of a person (亻) carrying a heavy basket (東).
A burden carried for a thousand 千 miles 里
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 重
Pictograph of a person (亻) carrying a heavy basket (東).
- 1The giveawayA burden carried for a thousand 千 miles 里
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 重? 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 重?
Decomposition of 重
Identify the Components
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How to say heavy in Chinese
“heavy” in Chinese is重
The character 重 (chóng) primarily means 'heavy' or 'weighty', often used to describe physical weight or the seriousness of a situation. It can also mean 'to repeat' or 'again', indicating actions that occur multiple times or are emphasized. In various contexts, it conveys the idea of importance or significance.
When to use 重
Be careful not to confuse 重 with 轻 (qīng), which means 'light'. In informal contexts, it is often used to emphasize seriousness, such as in 重视 (zhòngshì, to attach importance to). Pay attention to the tones; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
重 or something close to it
重 (zhòng, heavy) vs 轻 (qīng, light) — use 重 when describing something of significant weight or seriousness, while 轻 applies to lighter or less serious contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 重 with 重复 (chóngfù, to repeat), which has a more specific meaning related to repetition. Instead of saying '重重' for 'to repeat', use '重复'.
Write 重
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Practice writing 重 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 重
重 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这是重的书。
This is a heavy book.
Build the Sentence
This is a heavy book.
Common Confusions with 重
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar sound but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "heavy"?
Usage Notes for 重
重 can mean heavy or to emphasize, while 重要 specifically means important.
这个问题很重。
This issue is very serious.
这个问题很重要。
This issue is very important.
Fill in the Blank
这个问题很____。
This issue is very serious.
Example Sentences for 重 (12)
Cultural Notes for 重
In Chinese culture, the number '重' (zhòng) is often associated with strength and importance. For example, 重视 (zhòng shì) means to attach importance to something, highlighting the value placed on certain relationships or responsibilities.
Word Family of 重
Compound Meaning
What does 董 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 重
重 (chóng) focuses on the concept of repeating an action, whereas 再 (zài) emphasizes doing something again in the future. For instance, '我再来一次' means 'I will come again,' while '我重来一次' implies 'I will repeat my arrival.' Understanding the context helps in choosing the right word.
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