HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhàn
to take possession of
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhàn
to take up
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhàn
to observe
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhàn
to divine
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhàn
to divine; to observe; to versify
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to occupy
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to take possession of
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to take up
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to observe
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to divine
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
占
zhān
to divine; to observe; to versify
HSK 5, v, 5 strokes, radical ⺊, rank #2765, Medium
zhàn(zhan4)
primary
T4
1to occupy
2to take possession of
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March 24, 2026
占(佔)zhàn(zhan4)
The character 占 (zhān) primarily means 'to take possession of' or 'to occupy.' It is often used in contexts where one entity takes control or is situated in a particular space. Additionally, it can imply the act of observing or divining, particularly in cultural practices like fortune-telling.
Strokes5Radical⺊Frequency#2765DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the practice of divination, often associated with 占, is an integral part of traditions such as Feng Shui, where the positioning of objects is believed to influence fortune and harmony in life.
Memory Tip
Think of 占 as a person (the radical '占' resembles a figure) standing firmly in a space, claiming it as their own. Imagine them saying 'I stand (zhān) here!' to reinforce their possession, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 占
zhàn(zhan4)
primary
1to occupy
2to take possession of
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 占
占Simplified
佔Traditional
5Strokes
⺊Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2765Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 占
Podcast: 占
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AI Study Notes for 占
Quick Contrast
占 (zhàn) vs 佔 (zhàn) — use 占 for the standard meaning of 'to take possession of' or 'to occupy,' while 佔 is more common in traditional contexts or specific phrases.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 占 as a person (the radical '占' resembles a figure) standing firmly in a space, claiming it as their own. Imagine them saying 'I stand (zhān) here!' to reinforce their possession, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tonal nuances, as 占 (zhān) is often confused with other similar-sounding characters. It is primarily used in both spoken and written forms, and commonly collocates with words like '空间' (kōngjiān - space) and '位置' (wèizhì - position). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a more precise term would be preferable.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 占 connects with other terms related to possession and observation, such as 位置 (wèizhì - position) and 观察 (guānchá - to observe). Focus on using it in sentences that describe occupying space or making predictions, which will enhance your understanding of its various applications.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the practice of divination, often associated with 占, is an integral part of traditions such as Feng Shui, where the positioning of objects is believed to influence fortune and harmony in life.
Common Mistakes
Learners frequently confuse 占 (zhān) with 占 (zhàn), which has a slightly different meaning. For example, using 占 in a context meant for 'occupy' instead of 'to divine' can lead to misunderstandings, so ensure you are using the correct pronunciation and context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 占
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Grammar Patterns of 占
占 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 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.
When events happen that shake these beliefs, our fear takes control.
10
他们说尸体是在叛军重新占领这个地区时发现的。
tā mén shuō shī tǐ shì zài pàn jūn zhòng xīn zhān lǐng zhè gè dì qū shí fā xiàn de。
They said the bodies were found when rebels recaptured the area.
Cultural Notes for 占
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the practice of divination, often associated with 占, is an integral part of traditions such as Feng Shui, where the positioning of objects is believed to influence fortune and harmony in life.
Word Family of 占
Compounds54
点dian3point
战zhan4to fight
站zhan4station
店dian4inn
餐can1meal
钻zuan1variant of 鑽
贴tie1to stick
粘nian2glutinous
沾zhan1to moisten
帖tie1fitting snugly
黏nian2to stick to; glutinous, sticky; glue
玷dian4character flaw; a flaw in a gem
毡zhan1felt; rug, carpet
砧zhen1anvil, flat stone
拈nian1to pick up with the fingers; to draw lots
鮎
鲇nian2sheatfish; Parasilurus asotus
苫shan1rush or straw matting
乩ji1to divine
呫tie4to taste, to sip, to lick; to whisper; petty
坫dian4a stand on which to replace goblets after drinking
奌
怗
扂dian4door latch
敁
痁
粲can4bright, radiant; smiling; to polish
蛅
觇chan1to peek, to watch; to investigate, to spy on
詀
跕
鉆
阽dian4dangerous
飐zhan3to sway in the wind
佔zhan4to possess, to usurp, to take by force
岾
枮
梷
炶
煔
秥
笘
胋
袩
覘chan1to peek, to watch; to investigate, to spy on
貼tie1to stick, to paste; attached; allowance, subsidy
趈
迠
酟
韰xie4
頕
颭zhan3to sway in the wind
黇
點dian3dot, point, speck
Words Containing This Character20
占zhànto occupy
占据zhànjùto occupy佔據
占领zhànlǐngto hold佔領
占用zhànyòngto occupy佔用
占有zhànyǒuto have佔有
霸占bàzhànto seize霸佔
侵占qīnzhànto invade and occupy (territory)侵佔
占卜zhānbǔto divine
独占to monopolize獨佔
抢占to seize (the strategic high ground)搶佔
攻占(fig.) to take by storm
占便宜advantageous佔便宜
占上风to take the lead佔上風
占线zhànxiànbusy (telephone line)佔線
拜占庭Byzantium
占优势to predominate佔優勢
占地to take up space
挤占to seize擠占
强占qiángzhànto occupy by force強佔
占星术astrology占星術
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 点 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 占
Yes, 占 (zhàn) can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though its usage may vary depending on the phrases and meanings intended. In formal writing, it may appear in legal or academic texts discussing ownership or occupancy.
占 (zhàn) refers to occupying or taking, while 观察 (guān chá) means to observe or watch. 占 implies a more active role in taking up space or a position, whereas 观察 is about passive observation without necessarily taking something.
占 (zhàn) can mean to occupy or take up space, and it is also associated with the act of observing or divining. It is important in contexts where one is discussing possession or the act of taking a position. The character has various usages in different phrases, making it versatile in the language.
To use 占 (zhàn) in a sentence, you can say '我占这个位置' (Wǒ zhàn zhège wèizhì), which means 'I occupy this position.' It's often used to indicate taking up space or time, as well as in more abstract contexts like占卜 (zhàn bǔ) which means to divine or predict.
The correct pronunciation is zhān, with a high level tone.
While it can be used formally, it is better suited for everyday language; consider the context before using it.
Common phrases include 占据 (zhān jù - to occupy) and 占卜 (zhān bǔ - to divine).
