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沉重 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
沉重
chénzhòng
heavy
HSK 6, a, 16 strokes, rank #6530, Hard
沉重
chénzhòng
hard
HSK 6, a, 16 strokes, rank #6530, Hard
沉重
chénzhòng
serious
HSK 6, a, 16 strokes, rank #6530, Hard
沉重
chénzhòng
critical
HSK 6, a, 16 strokes, rank #6530, Hard
chénzhòng(chen2zhong4)chen zhong T2
1heavy
2hard
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March 24, 2026
沉重chénzhòng(chen2zhong4)
The term 沉重 (chénzhòng) describes something that is physically heavy or burdensome, as well as metaphorically indicating seriousness or gravity in situations such as emotions or issues. It can refer to both tangible weights and intangible feelings, making it versatile in usage across different contexts.
Strokes16Frequency#6530DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'weight' is often associated with responsibilities and emotional burdens, reflecting societal values around duty and familial obligations. For example, discussing a '沉重的负担' (heavy burden) often relates to social expectations.
Memory tip
Imagine carrying a heavy load on your shoulders, which makes you feel both physically and emotionally burdened. The character 沉 (chén) looks like something sinking down, symbolizing weight, while 重 (zhòng) has the meaning of 'heavy.' Together, they evoke the feeling of something that weighs you down.
Meanings of 沉重
chénzhòng(chen2zhong4)
1heavy
2hard
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 沉重
沉重Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6530Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 沉重
Podcast: 沉重
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AI study notes for 沉重
Quick Contrast
沉重 (chénzhòng) vs 笨重 (bènzhòng) — use 沉重 for emotional gravity or seriousness, while 笨重 refers specifically to cumbersome physical weight.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 沉重 with just 'heavy' in a physical sense; it often implies emotional or situational weight as well. The term is usually used in formal contexts or serious discussions, so it’s best to reserve it for situations that warrant a deeper tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 沉重 connects with other advanced vocabulary that conveys intensity or seriousness. Focus on using it in sentences that showcase its metaphorical meanings alongside its literal sense, improving your fluency in discussing complex topics.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misuse 沉重 in informal contexts, treating it like a casual adjective. For example, saying '我的书包很沉重' (My backpack is heavy) is correct, but using it to describe lighthearted topics is inappropriate. Instead, use a simpler term like 重 (zhòng) for physical weight.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沉重
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The term 沉重 (chénzhòng) describes something that is physically heavy or burdensome, as well as metaphorically indicating seriousness or gravity in situations such as emotions or issues. It can refer to both tangible weights and intangible feelings, making it versatile in usage across different contexts.
When to use 沉重
Be careful not to confuse 沉重 with just 'heavy' in a physical sense; it often implies emotional or situational weight as well. The term is usually used in formal contexts or serious discussions, so it’s best to reserve it for situations that warrant a deeper tone.
沉重 or something close to it
沉重 (chénzhòng) vs 笨重 (bènzhòng) — use 沉重 for emotional gravity or seriousness, while 笨重 refers specifically to cumbersome physical weight.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse 沉重 in informal contexts, treating it like a casual adjective. For example, saying '我的书包很沉重' (My backpack is heavy) is correct, but using it to describe lighthearted topics is inappropriate. Instead, use a simpler term like 重 (zhòng) for physical weight.
Write 沉重
沉
重
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Grammar patterns of 沉重
沉重 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他现在正为酗酒付出____的代价。
He drank too much and is paying dearly for it.
Example sentences for 沉重 (10)
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1
他现在正为酗酒付出沉重的代价。
tā xiànzài zhèng wèi xùjiǔ fùchū chénzhòng de dàijià。
He drank too much and is paying dearly for it.
2
我慢慢地把那些沉重的黑色尼龙袋的拉链拉上并锁好。
wǒ mànmàn dì bǎ nàxiē chénzhòng de hēisè nílóng dài de lāliàn lā shàng bìng suǒ hǎo。
I slowly zipped and locked the heavy black nylon bags.
3
卧室门上发出一声沉重的撞击声。
wòshì mén shàng fāchū yī shēng chénzhòng de zhuàngjī shēng。
There was a heavy thudding noise against the bedroom door.
4
他匆匆地迈着沉重的步伐绕过湖边向花园走去。
tā cōngcōng dì mài zhe chénzhòng de bùfá rào guò hú biān xiàng huāyuán zǒu qù。
He tramped hurriedly round the lake towards the garden.
5
元帅迈过真空吸尘器，脚步沉重地走出了房间。
yuán shuài mài guò zhēnkōng xī chén qì， jiǎobù chénzhòng dì zǒu chū le fángjiān。
The Marshal stepped over the vacuum-cleaner and stumped out of the room.
6
题为“英国儿童的贫困状况”的报告让人读起来心情沉重。
tí wèi“ Yīng guó értóng de pínkùn zhuàngkuàng” de bàogào ràng rén dú qǐlái xīnqíng chénzhòng。
The report, called "Child Poverty and Deprivation in the UK", makes for depressing reading.
7
她因背着她沉重的袋子而累弯了腰.
tā yīn bēizhe tā chénzhòng de dàizi ér lèi wān le yāo.
She was weighted down with her heavy bags.
8
孩子们又累又饿, 拖着沉重的步伐高高兴兴地回家了.
háizi men yòu lèi yòu è, tuō zhe chénzhòng de bùfá gāo gāoxìng Xīng dì huíjiā le.
Tired and hungry, but happy , the boys trudged home.
9
我一次又一次地推那只沉重的箱子,但没推动.
wǒ yī cì yòu yī cì dì tuī nà zhī chénzhòng de xiāngzi, dàn méi tuīdòng.
I pushed and pushed at the heavy box but could not move it.
10
他掉到河里了, 由于被沉重的大衣所困, 只勉强游到河岸.
tā diào dào hé lǐ le, yóuyú bèi chénzhòng de dàyī suǒ kùn, zhī miǎnqiǎng yóu dào hé àn.
He fell into the river and, because he was embarrassessed by his heavy overcoat, only managed to swim to the bank.
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Frequently asked questions about 沉重
No, 沉重 can also describe emotional weight or seriousness in situations, making it versatile.
You might say, '这件事对我来说非常沉重' (This matter is very heavy/serious for me).
The opposite is 轻松 (qīngsōng), which means 'light' or 'relaxed'.
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