Core Meaning
"东" primarily means "east," referring to the cardinal direction. It is commonly used in daily conversation to indicate direction, location, or time related to the east side.
As a Surname
"东" is also a Chinese surname. When used as a surname, it is capitalized and often appears in introductions or formal contexts.
Common Collocations and Usage
- 东边 (dōngbiān): east side; used to specify a location relative to something else.
- 东区 (dōngqū): eastern district; common in place names.
- 东风 (dōngfēng): east wind; often used metaphorically in literature or weather contexts.
- 往东走 (wǎng dōng zǒu): go east; a common phrase in giving directions.
Usage Notes
When used to indicate direction, "东" can combine with words like 边 (side), 区 (district), or 风 (wind) to form compound nouns. As a surname, it is less common but important to recognize in personal names. Avoid confusing "东" with similar directional characters like "西" (west) or "南" (south).
Tone and Register
"东" is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. When used as a surname, it is treated as a proper noun.
Core Meaning
"东" primarily means "east," referring to the cardinal direction. It is commonly used in daily conversation to indicate direction, location, or time related to the east side.
As a Surname
"东" is also a Chinese surname. When used as a surname, it is capitalized and often appears in introductions or formal contexts.
Common Collocations and Usage
- 东边 (dōngbiān): east side; used to specify a location relative to something else.
- 东区 (dōngqū): eastern district; common in place names.
- 东风 (dōngfēng): east wind; often used metaphorically in literature or weather contexts.
- 往东走 (wǎng dōng zǒu): go east; a common phrase in giving directions.
Usage Notes
When used to indicate direction, "东" can combine with words like 边 (side), 区 (district), or 风 (wind) to form compound nouns. As a surname, it is less common but important to recognize in personal names. Avoid confusing "东" with similar directional characters like "西" (west) or "南" (south).
Tone and Register
"东" is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. When used as a surname, it is treated as a proper noun.
Core Meaning
"东" primarily means "east," referring to the cardinal direction. It is commonly used in daily conversation to indicate direction, location, or time related to the east side.
As a Surname
"东" is also a Chinese surname. When used as a surname, it is capitalized and often appears in introductions or formal contexts.
Common Collocations and Usage
- 东边 (dōngbiān): east side; used to specify a location relative to something else.
- 东区 (dōngqū): eastern district; common in place names.
- 东风 (dōngfēng): east wind; often used metaphorically in literature or weather contexts.
- 往东走 (wǎng dōng zǒu): go east; a common phrase in giving directions.
Usage Notes
When used to indicate direction, "东" can combine with words like 边 (side), 区 (district), or 风 (wind) to form compound nouns. As a surname, it is less common but important to recognize in personal names. Avoid confusing "东" with similar directional characters like "西" (west) or "南" (south).
Tone and Register
"东" is neutral and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. When used as a surname, it is treated as a proper noun.