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March 24, 2026
象征(象徵)xiàngzhēng(xiang4zheng1)
象征 (xiàngzhēng) refers to the act of representing or signifying something abstract through a tangible or visible form. It is commonly used in literature, art, and discussions about cultural symbols, where one thing stands for another to convey deeper meanings or ideas.
Strokes19Frequency#4558DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, symbols play a vital role in festivals and traditions, such as the dragon symbolizing power and luck in Chinese New Year celebrations. Understanding 象征 helps learners appreciate these cultural icons and their meanings.
Memory Tip
Imagine an elephant (象, xiàng) wearing a badge (征, zhēng) that symbolizes wisdom. The elephant’s large ears represent its ability to hear and understand, while the badge signifies its role as a representation of knowledge and insight.
Meanings of 象征
xiàngzhēng(xiang4zheng1)
1emblem
2symbol
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 象征
象征Simplified
象徵Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4558Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 象征
Podcast: 象征
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AI Study Notes for 象征
Quick Contrast
符号 (fúhào) - use 象征 when referring to a representation that conveys deeper meanings, while 符号 is more about a symbol or sign with a more straightforward or literal meaning.
Usage Notes
象征 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is especially prevalent in literary discussions. A common mistake is using it interchangeably with 代表 (dàibiǎo), which specifically means 'to represent' and does not always convey the symbolic nuance of 象征. Be careful with tones: the first character is fourth tone, and the second character is first tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 象征 connects well with other vocabulary related to symbolism and meaning, such as 符号 (fúhào, symbol) and 文化 (wénhuà, culture). Students should focus on using it in sentences that explain or analyze symbols in various contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 象征 with similar words like 代表 (dàibiǎo) or 符号 (fúhào). For example, saying '这张符号象征和平' (This symbol represents peace) is incorrect; it should be '这个象征和平的符号' (This symbol that symbolizes peace).
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Pronunciation of 象征
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象征 (xiàngzhēng) refers to the act of representing or signifying something abstract through a tangible or visible form. It is commonly used in literature, art, and discussions about cultural symbols, where one thing stands for another to convey deeper meanings or ideas.
When to use 象征
象征 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is especially prevalent in literary discussions. A common mistake is using it interchangeably with 代表 (dàibiǎo), which specifically means 'to represent' and does not always convey the symbolic nuance of 象征. Be careful with tones: the first character is fourth tone, and the second character is first tone.
象征 or something close to it
符号 (fúhào) - use 象征 when referring to a representation that conveys deeper meanings, while 符号 is more about a symbol or sign with a more straightforward or literal meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 象征 with similar words like 代表 (dàibiǎo) or 符号 (fúhào). For example, saying '这张符号象征和平' (This symbol represents peace) is incorrect; it should be '这个象征和平的符号' (This symbol that symbolizes peace).
Write 象征
象
征
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Grammar Patterns of 象征
象征 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 7 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
在一些作品中，花具有强烈的____意义。
In some works, flowers take on a powerful emblematic quality.
