Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
阵 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
阵zhèndisposition of troopsHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènwaveHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènspateHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènburstHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènspellHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènshort period of timeHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènclassifier for events or states of short durationHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
阵zhènrow, column; ranks, troop formationHSK 5, n, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #4844, Medium
zhèn(zhen4) T4
  1. 1disposition of troops
  2. 2wave
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
阵(陣)zhèn(zhen4)

The character 阵 (zhèn) refers to a disposition or arrangement, particularly in a military context, such as troop formations. It can also denote a burst or wave of something occurring over a short period, making it versatile in describing events or states that are transient or momentary.

Strokes6Radical阝Frequency#4844DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of military formations is deeply rooted in historical texts such as Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', where strategic arrangements are vital for success in battle.

Memory Tip

Imagine a soldier standing in a '阵' (zhèn) formation, which looks like a row of soldiers. The character has a '阝' (hill) on the left, suggesting a strategic position, while the '丁' (nail) on the right can remind you of soldiers standing firmly in formation.

Meanings of 阵

zhèn(zhen4)
1disposition of troops
2wave
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 阵

阵Simplified
陣Traditional
6Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4844Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 阵

JasonAmy

Podcast: 阵

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 阵

Quick Contrast

阵 (zhèn) vs 堆 (duī) — use 阵 for arrangements or formations, while 堆 refers to a pile or heap.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a soldier standing in a '阵' (zhèn) formation, which looks like a row of soldiers. The character has a '阝' (hill) on the left, suggesting a strategic position, while the '丁' (nail) on the right can remind you of soldiers standing firmly in formation.

Usage Notes

This term can be used both formally and informally, but it is often found in military or strategic contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use it specifically for short events or formations. Watch for the tone; '阵' is pronounced with a falling tone, which is crucial for proper understanding.

HSK Study Tips

As HSK Level 5, students should focus on the various contexts in which 阵 is used, especially in military and natural phenomena. Connect it with other HSK 5 words related to events or actions to deepen understanding.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of military formations is deeply rooted in historical texts such as Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', where strategic arrangements are vital for success in battle.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 阵 (zhèn) with 阵地 (zhèndì), which means a position or site of operations. Remember that 阵 specifically refers to the arrangement or formation itself, not the location.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 阵

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 阵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 阵

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 陣. Depicts a group (阝) of soldiers in chariots (車).

Memory Hint

A formation 阝of soldiers 车

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 阵?

Decomposition of 阵

IDS Structure⿰阝车
阵Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
车Che1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 阵?

Write 阵

阵

Practice writing 阵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 阵

阵 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

我感觉到后腰一____剧痛。

I felt a sharp pain in my lower back.

Common Confusions with 阵

阵vs震
zhèn

Same pronunciation but different meanings.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "disposition of troops"?

or

Example Sentences for 阵 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我感觉到后腰一阵剧痛。

wǒ gǎn jué dào hòu yāo yī zhèn jù tòng。

I felt a sharp pain in my lower back.
2
他们听见酒瓶摔碎的声音，然后是一阵更喧闹的笑声。

tā mén tīng jiàn jiǔ píng shuāi suì de shēng yīn， ， rán hòu shì yī zhèn gēng xuān nào de xiào。

They heard a bottle being smashed, then more raucous laughter.
3
这支武装部队已发动进攻要夺回失去的阵地。

zhè zhī wǔ zhuāng bù duì yǐ fā dòng jìn gōng yào duó huí shī qù de zhèn dì。

The armed forces have launched offensives to recapture lost ground.
4
这是好心办错事，可是确实让我担心了一阵子。

zhè shì hǎo xīn bàn cuò shì， ， kě shì què shí ràng wǒ dān xīn le yī zhèn。

This was a genuine mistake, but it did cause me some worry.
5
一场短时强阵雨后风势渐长。

yī cháng duǎn shí qiáng zhèn yǔ hòu fēng shì jiàn cháng。

There was a short sharp shower followed by a strengthening breeze.
6
心头涌起一阵强烈的感情，模糊了他的判断力。

xīn tóu yǒng qǐ yī zhèn qiáng liè de gǎn qíng， ， mó hū le tā de pàn duàn。

A tide of emotion rose and clouded his judgement.
7
他突然感到腹部一阵剧烈疼痛。

tā tū rán gǎn dào fù bù yī zhèn jù liè téng tòng。

He was struck by a stabbing pain in his midriff.
8
在家剧烈运动了一阵后他突然昏倒了。

zài jiā jù liè yùn dòng le yī zhèn hòu tā tū rán hūn dǎo le。

He collapsed following a vigorous exercise session at his home.
9
获胜者将在本周末的季后赛中对阵奥克兰运动者队。

huò shèng zhě jiāng zài běn zhōu mò de jì hòu sài zhōng duì zhèn ào kè lán yùn dòng zhě duì。

The winner will face the Oakland A's in the playoffs this weekend.
10
在甲板上,一阵欢呼喧嚷过后,屠宰开始了.

zài jiǎ bǎn shàng, , yī zhèn huān hū xuān rǎng guò, hòu , tú zǎi kāi.

On the ship's deck, after the whoops and hollers, the butchering begins.

Cultural Notes for 阵

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of military formations is deeply rooted in historical texts such as Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', where strategic arrangements are vital for success in battle.

Word Family of 阵

Words Containing This Character20
一阵yízhèna burst一陣
阵zhènwave陣
一阵子a while一陣子
阵容zhènróngtroop arrangement陣容
阵地zhèndìposition陣地
对阵poised for battle對陣
阵营zhènyíngcamp陣營
上阵to go into battle上陣
阵亡to die in battle陣亡
阵子period of time陣子
阵线line of battle陣線
矩阵array矩陣
阵雨shower陣雨
助阵to cheer助陣
阵痛labor pains陣痛
阵势battle array陣勢
阵风gust陣風
方阵phalanx方陣
雷阵雨thunder shower雷陣雨
冲锋陷阵to charge and break through enemy lines衝鋒陷陣
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 一阵 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 阵

It is often used to describe military formations, bursts of action, or waves of events like '阵雨' (short-lived rain).