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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#4844DifficultyHard
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
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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
Podcast: 阵
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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.
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.
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
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How Well Do You Know 阵?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 阵 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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.
When to use 阵
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.
阵 or something close to it
阵 (zhèn) vs 堆 (duī) — use 阵 for arrangements or formations, while 堆 refers to a pile or heap.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 阵
阵
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Practice writing 阵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
