measure for dry grain equal to one-tenth dou 斗[dǒu]
HSK 5, zg, 4 strokes, radical 十, rank #2639, Hard
升
shēng
to rise in rank
HSK 5, zg, 4 strokes, radical 十, rank #2639, Hard
升
shēng
to advance; to arise; to hoist, to raise
HSK 5, zg, 4 strokes, radical 十, rank #2639, Hard
升
shēng
measure for dry grain equal to one-tenth dou 斗[dou3]
HSK 5, unknown, 4 strokes, radical 十, rank #2639, Hard
shēng(sheng1) T1
1to ascend
2to rise to the rank of
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March 24, 2026
升shēng(sheng1)
The character 升 (shēng) primarily means 'to ascend' or 'to rise.' It is commonly used in contexts such as promotions in a job or elevation in rank, and can also refer to the act of hoisting something. Additionally, it serves as a unit of measurement for liquids, specifically a liter, and for dry grains, indicating a specific volume.
Strokes4Radical十Frequency#2639DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,升 (shēng) is often associated with personal and professional advancement, reflecting the importance placed on upward mobility and success. For instance, during festivals, it's common for people to wish each other 升迁 (shēngqiān - promotion) as a sign of goodwill.
Memory Tip
Imagine a hot air balloon rising into the sky, representing 升 (shēng) as it ascends. The top of the balloon resembles the character itself, with the '升' shape symbolizing elevation and movement upward, while the 'sh' in 'shēng' reminds you of 'sky'.
Meanings of 升
shēng(sheng1)
1to ascend
2to rise to the rank of
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 升
升Simplified
4Strokes
十Radical
状态词zgqv (stat.)Part of Speech
#2639Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 升
Podcast: 升
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AI Study Notes for 升
Quick Contrast
升 (shēng) vs 提 (tí) — use 升 for upward movement or elevation, while 提 is for lifting or raising something without the implication of ascent.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a hot air balloon rising into the sky, representing 升 (shēng) as it ascends. The top of the balloon resembles the character itself, with the '升' shape symbolizing elevation and movement upward, while the 'sh' in 'shēng' reminds you of 'sky'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 升 with similar-sounding characters. It's important to remember that 升 is used in both formal and informal situations, particularly in contexts related to advancement or promotion. Common collocations include 升职 (shēngzhí - to be promoted) and 升高 (shēnggāo - to rise higher).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 升 connects with other terms related to movement and elevation, such as 提高 (tígāo - to improve) and 上升 (shàngshēng - to rise). Students should focus on understanding its various meanings and applications in different contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,升 (shēng) is often associated with personal and professional advancement, reflecting the importance placed on upward mobility and success. For instance, during festivals, it's common for people to wish each other 升迁 (shēngqiān - promotion) as a sign of goodwill.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 升 with 上 (shàng). For example, saying 升去 (shēngqù - to go up) is incorrect; the correct phrase is 上去 (shàngqù). Additionally, some may forget the correct tone, mispronouncing it as 'sheng' instead of 'shēng'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 升
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Grammar Patterns of 升
升 carries 9 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
As the plane ascended above the clouds, I was deeply captivated by the view outside the window.
Cultural Notes for 升
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture,升 (shēng) is often associated with personal and professional advancement, reflecting the importance placed on upward mobility and success. For instance, during festivals, it's common for people to wish each other 升迁 (shēngqiān - promotion) as a sign of goodwill.
Word Family of 升
Compounds9
呏
抍
昇sheng1rise, ascent; to raise, to exalt
枡
竔
阩
陞sheng1to ascend, to rise; to promote
陹
飛fei1to fly, to dart; high
Words Containing This Character20
升shēngto ascend
上升shàngshēngto rise上昇
提升tíshēngto promote提昇
直升机zhíshēngjīhelicopter直升機
升级shēngjíto be promoted升級
升起to raise
升高shēnggāoto raise昇高
升值shēngzhíto rise in value昇值
直升飞机helicopter直升飛機
回升huíshēngto pick up
晋升jìnshēngto promote to a higher position晉升
攀升pānshēngto clamber up
升空to lift off昇空
毫升háoshēngmilliliter
升华to sublimate升華
升温shēngwēnto become hot升溫
升迁promote升遷
升降rising and lowering昇降
升天to die
升官to get promoted
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 昇 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 升
升 (shēng) is related to characters that convey ideas of elevation and growth, such as 高 (gāo), meaning 'high' or 'tall'. It also connects to educational contexts, where升 can indicate the progression to a higher level or rank in school or work. Understanding its usage can enhance your comprehension of related terms.
In terms of measurement, 升 (shēng) is a unit that is typically used for dry grains and liquids. It is equivalent to one-tenth of a dou (斗), which is a larger unit of measure. This makes 升 a common term in agricultural contexts.
升 (shēng) means 'to ascend' or 'to rise'. It can refer to both physical elevation and promotion in rank or status. Additionally, it is a unit of measurement for volume, particularly for dry grain, equal to one-tenth of a dou (斗).
升 can be used in various contexts, such as discussing promotions in a job or the act of ascending. For example, you could say '他升职了' (tā shēng zhí le), which means 'He has been promoted.' It can also be used in a literal sense, like '飞机升高' (fēijī shēng gāo), meaning 'The plane is ascending.'
Some common phrases include 升职 (shēngzhí - to be promoted) and 升高 (shēnggāo - to rise higher).
Yes, 升 can also refer to a unit of measurement for liquids, equivalent to a liter.
It is pronounced as 'shēng' with a high level tone.
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