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March 24, 2026
钟(鍾)zhōng(zhong1)
The character 钟 (zhōng) primarily refers to a clock or bell, indicating the passage of time. It is commonly used in contexts related to measuring time, such as telling the hour or discussing time-related activities. Additionally, it can refer to a surname or denote a handleless cup, showcasing its versatility in usage.
Strokes9Radical钅Frequency#1172DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, bells are significant during festivals and ceremonies, representing the marking of time and important events. The ringing of bells in temples is a common practice to signal the beginning of a ritual or to call people together.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large clock with a bell on top. The bell (钟) chimes every hour, reminding you to concentrate (also implied by the character's meaning). The shape of the character resembles a clock face with the top part representing the bell’s dome, creating a vivid image to help remember the pronunciation.
Meanings of 钟
zhōng(zhong1)
1clock
2handleless cup
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 钟
钟Simplified
鍾Traditional
9Strokes
钅Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#1172Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 钟
Podcast: 钟
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AI Study Notes for 钟
Quick Contrast
钟 (zhōng) vs 钟表 (zhōngbiǎo) — use 钟 for general references to clocks or bells, while 钟表 specifically refers to a clock or watch as a device.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 钟 with similar-sounding characters like 鐘, which can lead to misunderstandings in context. This character is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal situations. Common collocations include 钟表 (clock) and 钟声 (bell sound).
HSK Study Tips
As 钟 is not listed in HSK levels, it’s beneficial to focus on its connections with related vocabulary such as 时间 (time) and 点钟 (o'clock). Understanding how to use 钟 in different contexts will enhance your overall comprehension of time-related vocabulary in Mandarin.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is using 钟 when referring to a personal alarm clock; learners might say '我的钟响了' instead of '我的闹钟响了' (My alarm clock rang). Also, mixing up the pronunciation with 鐘 is common, leading to confusion in meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 钟
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Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 中 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鐘.
1The meaning half钅 carries the sense.
2The sound half中 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaymetal
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 钟? 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 钟?
Decomposition of 钟
IDS Structure⿰钅中
钟Full Character
=
钅jin1
left
中Zhong1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 钟?
How to say surname Zhong in Chinese
“surname Zhong” in Chinese is钟zhōng
The character 钟 (zhōng) primarily refers to a clock or bell, indicating the passage of time. It is commonly used in contexts related to measuring time, such as telling the hour or discussing time-related activities. Additionally, it can refer to a surname or denote a handleless cup, showcasing its versatility in usage.
When to use 钟
Learners often confuse 钟 with similar-sounding characters like 鐘, which can lead to misunderstandings in context. This character is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal situations. Common collocations include 钟表 (clock) and 钟声 (bell sound).
钟 or something close to it
钟 (zhōng) vs 钟表 (zhōngbiǎo) — use 钟 for general references to clocks or bells, while 钟表 specifically refers to a clock or watch as a device.
What learners get wrong
A frequent error is using 钟 when referring to a personal alarm clock; learners might say '我的钟响了' instead of '我的闹钟响了' (My alarm clock rang). Also, mixing up the pronunciation with 鐘 is common, leading to confusion in meaning.
Write 钟
钟
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Practice writing 钟 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 钟
钟 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.
