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鼎 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
鼎
dǐng
large, three-legged bronze cauldron
HSK 7, ng, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
鼎
dǐng
ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
鼎
dǐng
pot (dialect)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
鼎
dǐng
to enter upon a period of (classical)
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
鼎
dǐng
Kangxi radical 206
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
鼎
dǐng
one of the 64 hexagrams of the Book of Changes
HSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 鼎, rank #20548, Very Hard
dǐng(ding3)ding T3
1large, three-legged bronze cauldron
2ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
鼎dǐng(ding3)
鼎 (dǐng) refers to a large, ancient bronze cauldron, typically used for cooking or ceremonial purposes. It symbolizes power and authority in Chinese culture, often associated with the concept of governance and stability. In modern usage, it can also refer to a pot or container in some dialects.
Strokes12Radical鼎Frequency#20548DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In ancient China, the 鼎 was not just a cooking utensil; it was also a symbol of state power and legitimacy, often used in religious ceremonies to honor ancestors. Its presence in the 'I Ching' showcases its deep philosophical significance.
Memory tip
Imagine a large, three-legged pot (鼎) standing proudly like a king. The three legs represent stability, while the shape of the pot can remind you of a treasure chest full of ancient wisdom, making the sound 'dǐng' resonate like a bell in a grand hall.
Meanings of 鼎
dǐng(ding3)
1large, three-legged bronze cauldron
2ancient cooking cauldron with two looped handles and three or four legs
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 鼎
鼎Simplified
12Strokes
鼎Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 鼎
Podcast: 鼎
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AI study notes for 鼎
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 'dǐng' uses the third tone, which can be easily confused with other tones. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing history or culture. Common collocations include '鼎盛' (dǐngshèng, thriving) and '鼎力支持' (dǐnglì zhīchí, strong support).
HSK Study Tips
While 鼎 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 4 through its cultural significance and its use in idiomatic expressions. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and how it appears in literature.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼎 with similar-sounding words and use the wrong tone, such as saying 'dīng' instead of 'dǐng'. Remember, the pronunciation has an important tonal distinction.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼎
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How to say large, three-legged bronze cauldron in Chinese
“large, three-legged bronze cauldron” in Chinese is鼎dǐng
鼎 (dǐng) refers to a large, ancient bronze cauldron, typically used for cooking or ceremonial purposes. It symbolizes power and authority in Chinese culture, often associated with the concept of governance and stability. In modern usage, it can also refer to a pot or container in some dialects.
When to use 鼎
Be cautious with the tone; 'dǐng' uses the third tone, which can be easily confused with other tones. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when discussing history or culture. Common collocations include '鼎盛' (dǐngshèng, thriving) and '鼎力支持' (dǐnglì zhīchí, strong support).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 鼎 with similar-sounding words and use the wrong tone, such as saying 'dīng' instead of 'dǐng'. Remember, the pronunciation has an important tonal distinction.
Write 鼎
鼎
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Practice writing 鼎 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar patterns of 鼎
鼎 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 6 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.
这位大名____鼎的电影制片人声色俱厉地抨击了这些说法，称之为“无耻的谎言”。
The famed film-maker slammed the claims as "an outrageous lie"
Example sentences for 鼎 (5)
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1
这位大名鼎鼎的电影制片人声色俱厉地抨击了这些说法，称之为“无耻的谎言”。
zhè wèi dàmíngdǐngdǐng de diànyǐng zhì piàn rén shēng sè jù lì dì pēngjī le zhèxiē shuōfǎ， chèn zhī wèi“ wúchǐ de huǎngyán”。
The famed film-maker slammed the claims as "an outrageous lie"
2
他得到其他一些成员的鼎力相助。
tā dédào qítā yìxiē chéngyuán de dǐng lì Xiāng zhù。
He was ably assisted by a number of other members.
3
现在能听见楼下人声鼎沸。
xiànzài néng tīngjiàn lóuxià rén shēng dǐng fèi。
Sounds of voices and commotion could be heard downstairs now.
4
在他声名鼎盛之时，他的每句话都受到重视。
zài tā shēng míng dǐngshèng zhī shí， tā de měi jù huà dōu shòudào zhòngshì。
At the height of his fame, his every word was valued.
