HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
秤
chēng
Roman balance
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
秤
chēng
balance, scale; steelyard
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
秤
chèng
steelyard
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
秤
chèng
Roman balance
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
秤
chèng
balance, scale; steelyard
HSK 7, n, 10 strokes, radical 禾, rank #18293, Very Hard
chèng(cheng4)
primary
T4
1steelyard
2Roman balance
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
秤chèng(cheng4)
The character 秤 (chēng) refers to a type of balance or scale used for weighing objects. It is commonly associated with traditional methods of measurement, particularly in marketplaces or for specific professions like butchers. The nuance of this term conveys not just the physical device but also the act of weighing and ensuring accuracy in measurements.
Strokes10Radical禾Frequency#18293DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese markets, the use of 秤 is integral to commerce, with vendors often using large, visible scales to attract customers through transparency in their measurements. This reflects a cultural value placed on honesty and fairness in business transactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, ancient balance scale where two sides hang evenly, symbolizing fairness. The left side has a weight labeled 'chēng,' reminding you of its pronunciation. Visualize a merchant carefully weighing goods to maintain trust, connecting the character's shape to its meaning of weighing and balance.
Meanings of 秤
chèng(cheng4)
primary
1steelyard
2Roman balance
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 秤
秤Simplified
10Strokes
禾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#18293Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 秤
Podcast: 秤
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AI Study Notes for 秤
Quick Contrast
称 (chēng) refers to the act of calling or naming, while 秤 (chèng) specifically denotes a physical scale used for weighing.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, 秤 is often found in discussions about trade, cooking, and scientific measurements. A common mistake is confusing it with 稱 (chēng), which means 'to weigh' as a verb. Remember to use 秤 specifically when referring to the scale itself.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 秤 connects to vocabulary related to measurement and trade. Students should focus on its usage in context and learn related terms like 量 (liàng), 'to measure,' and 重 (zhòng), 'heavy,' to build a comprehensive understanding of weighing concepts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 秤 with 稱 in sentences. For example, saying '我需要一個稱' (I need a 'to weigh') instead of '我需要一個秤' (I need a scale) is incorrect. Remember that 秤 is the noun for the instrument.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 秤
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 秤? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 秤?
Decomposition of 秤
IDS Structure⿰禾平
秤Full Character
=
禾he2
left
平Ping2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 秤?
How to say steelyard in Chinese
“steelyard” in Chinese is秤chēng
The character 秤 (chēng) refers to a type of balance or scale used for weighing objects. It is commonly associated with traditional methods of measurement, particularly in marketplaces or for specific professions like butchers. The nuance of this term conveys not just the physical device but also the act of weighing and ensuring accuracy in measurements.
When to use 秤
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, 秤 is often found in discussions about trade, cooking, and scientific measurements. A common mistake is confusing it with 稱 (chēng), which means 'to weigh' as a verb. Remember to use 秤 specifically when referring to the scale itself.
秤 or something close to it
称 (chēng) refers to the act of calling or naming, while 秤 (chèng) specifically denotes a physical scale used for weighing.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 秤 with 稱 in sentences. For example, saying '我需要一個稱' (I need a 'to weigh') instead of '我需要一個秤' (I need a scale) is incorrect. Remember that 秤 is the noun for the instrument.
Write 秤
秤
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Practice writing 秤 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 秤
秤 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 3 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
15日新月会移至你对面的天____宫。
The New Moon takes place in your opposite sign of Libra on the 15th.
Example Sentences for 秤 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
15日新月会移至你对面的天秤宫。
15 15 rì xīn yuè huì yí zhì nǐ duì miàn de tiān chèng。
The New Moon takes place in your opposite sign of Libra on the 15th.
