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March 24, 2026
程chéng(Cheng2)
The character 程 (chéng) primarily means 'rule' or 'order' and can also refer to a 'journey' or 'procedure.' It is commonly used in contexts related to regulations, sequences, and formal processes, making it relevant in both everyday conversation and formal documentation.
Strokes12Radical禾Frequency#5291DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '程' relates closely to the importance of structure and order in society, often reflected in formal customs and practices, such as wedding ceremonies and business protocols.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'journey' (程) where you must follow a 'rule' (the radical 稻 representing rice, symbolizing nourishment and order) to stay on track. Visualize a traveler carefully following signs along a path, ensuring they are abiding by the rules of the road.
Meanings of 程
chéng(Cheng2)
1rule
2order
Exercise 1 of 3
By ear
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About 程
程Simplified
12Strokes
禾Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5291Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 程
Podcast: 程
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AI study notes for 程
Quick Contrast
流程 (liúchéng) vs 程序 (chéngxù) — choose 程 when referring to a general 'rule' or 'order,' while 流程 emphasizes the flow or sequence of steps in a process, and 程序 refers specifically to a 'procedure' often in a technical context.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 程 with similar-sounding words, especially in tone. It is used in both formal contexts (like legal regulations) and informal ones (like daily plans). Common collocations include '程序' (process) and '行程' (itinerary).
HSK Study Tips
Although 程 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 and 4 words that discuss travel and procedures. Focus on using it in sentences that describe planned activities or rules to deepen comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 程 with 程度 (chéngdù, meaning 'degree' or 'extent') due to their similar sounds. It's important to remember that 程 focuses more on rules and processes, while 程度 refers to measurement or level.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 程
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Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 程 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.
程 = 禾 + 呈. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 程
IDS Structure⿰禾呈
程Full character
=
禾he2
left
呈cheng2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 程?
How to say rule in Chinese
“rule” in Chinese is程chéng
The character 程 (chéng) primarily means 'rule' or 'order' and can also refer to a 'journey' or 'procedure.' It is commonly used in contexts related to regulations, sequences, and formal processes, making it relevant in both everyday conversation and formal documentation.
When to use 程
Learners often confuse 程 with similar-sounding words, especially in tone. It is used in both formal contexts (like legal regulations) and informal ones (like daily plans). Common collocations include '程序' (process) and '行程' (itinerary).
程 or something close to it
流程 (liúchéng) vs 程序 (chéngxù) — choose 程 when referring to a general 'rule' or 'order,' while 流程 emphasizes the flow or sequence of steps in a process, and 程序 refers specifically to a 'procedure' often in a technical context.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 程 with 程度 (chéngdù, meaning 'degree' or 'extent') due to their similar sounds. It's important to remember that 程 focuses more on rules and processes, while 程度 refers to measurement or level.
Write 程
程
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Grammar patterns of 程
程 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 9 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.
Mrs. Cheng's art exhibition attracted many international art enthusiasts.
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Cultural Notes for 程
💡Did you know?
In Chinese culture, the character '程' can be related to the concept of planning and order in a journey, reflecting the importance of structure and organization in daily life.
Word Family of 程
Words containing this character20
过程guòchéngprocess過程
程度chéngdùlevel
工程gōngchéngengineering
程序chéngxùprocedures
课程kèchéngcourse課程
旅程lǚchéngjourney
进程jìnchéngprocess進程
程chéngrule
工程师gōngchéngshīengineer工程師
行程xíngchéngjourney
日程rìchéngschedule
远程yuǎnchéngremote遠程
全程quánchéngthe whole distance
疗程liáochéngcourse of treatment療程
流程liúchéngcourse
计程车jìchéngchē(Tw) taxi計程車
路程lùchéngroute
历程lìchéngcourse歷程
前程qiánchéngfuture (career etc) prospects
赛程sàichéngcompetition schedule賽程
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 程
What does 过程 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 程
程 (chéng) generally refers to an order, procedure, or journey, while 过程 (guòchéng) specifically means 'process' or 'course of events'. Understanding the nuance between these terms can help you use them accurately in conversation.
You can use 程 (chéng) in sentences to refer to a process or journey. For example, you might say '这个程序很复杂' (zhège chéngxù hěn fùzá) which means 'this procedure is very complicated'. It's important to understand the context to use it correctly.
Yes, 程 (Chéng) is a relatively common surname in China. It ranks among the top surnames and is associated with various historical figures and families.
程 (chéng) can mean several things in Chinese, including 'journey', 'procedure', 'order', or 'regulations'. It is also used as a surname, Cheng. The context in which it is used will determine its specific meaning.
Common phrases include '程序' (chéngxù) meaning 'procedure' and '行程' (xíngchéng) meaning 'itinerary'.
Yes, 程 is often used in daily contexts, particularly when discussing plans or processes.
Yes, Cheng (程) is a relatively common surname in China.
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