Meanings of 征
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About 征
Podcast: 征
Podcast: 征
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AI Study Notes for 征
征 (zhēng) vs 旅 (lǚ) — choose 征 when emphasizing a journey with a purpose or authority, while 旅 focuses on travel in a general sense.
Imagine a warrior setting out on a grand journey (征) with a banner in one hand, summoning (征) his troops and collecting taxes (征) from the towns they pass. The character combines the radical for 'to go' with elements suggesting action and command, which can help you remember its meanings related to journeys and authority.
Be careful not to confuse 征 with other characters that have similar pronunciations but different meanings, such as 整 (zhěng). This character is more formal and is often used in contexts like military or government. Common collocations include 征兵 (recruit troops) and 征税 (levy taxes).
Although 征 is not commonly included in HSK lists, it can be linked to HSK level 4 vocabulary related to travel and authority. Students should focus on understanding its multiple meanings and how it can be used in different contexts, such as military versus civil.
In ancient China, the concept of征 (campaigning) was closely linked to dynastic expansion and the duty of subjects to serve in military campaigns, which were often a matter of national pride and survival.
Learners often confuse 征 with the similar-sounding character 正 (zhèng). For instance, saying '我征在这儿' (Wǒ zhēng zài zhèr - I am征here) is incorrect; it should be '我在这儿' (Wǒ zài zhèr - I am here).
Pronunciation of 征
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Etymology of 征
Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 正 represents the sound. Originally written as 正.
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Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 征?
Decomposition of 征
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Write 征
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Practice writing 征 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 征
征 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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这次征途是很艰辛的。
This journey was very arduous.
Build the Sentence
This journey was very arduous.
Common Confusions with 征
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar meaning related to evidence but different usage.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "journey"?
Example Sentences for 征 (10)
Cultural Notes for 征
In ancient China, the concept of征 (campaigning) was closely linked to dynastic expansion and the duty of subjects to serve in military campaigns, which were often a matter of national pride and survival.
Word Family of 征
Compound Meaning
What does 惩 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 征
Common phrases include 征兵 (zhēngbīng - to recruit soldiers) and 征税 (zhēngshuì - to levy taxes).