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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
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
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
Complete the Sentence
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 xiàn zài zhèng wéi xù jiǔ fù chū chén zhòng de dài jià。
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 màn màn dì bǎ nà xiē chén zhòng de hēi sè ní lóng dài de lā liàn lā shàng bìng suǒ hǎo。
I slowly zipped and locked the heavy black nylon bags.
