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JLPT N5 10 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (chēng)

The character is versatile and commonly used in Mandarin. It primarily means "to call" or "to name" someone or something, often in a formal or respectful way. For example, when you want to say someone is known by a certain title, you use .

Another important use is in the context of weighing objects. can mean "to weigh" or "to measure the weight of" something, which is common in markets or shipping.

Common Collocations

  • 称为 (chēngwéi): to be called, to be known as — used to introduce a title or name.
  • 自己 (chēng zìjǐ): to call oneself — used when someone describes their own identity.
  • (chēng zhòng): to weigh — used in contexts involving measuring weight.

Notes

When using to mean "to call" or "to name," it often appears in passive constructions with (bèi), indicating someone is called something by others. Avoid confusing with (jiào), which is more casual and used in everyday speech. carries a more formal or literary tone.

When used for weighing, is often paired with (weight) or (a unit of weight).

Understanding these nuances will help you use appropriately in both spoken and written Chinese.

Example Sentences

He is called the backbone of the company.

Please weigh this box of fruit.

He calls himself a freelancer.