to swell; dropsical; swollen; bloated

JLPT N5

Words with this Kanji

Meaning and Usage

The character (zhàng) primarily means 'to swell' or 'to become bloated.' It is often used to describe physical swelling of body parts, such as a bloated stomach or swollen face, as well as objects like balloons that expand due to air or gas.

Common Contexts

  • Medical or physical conditions: describing swelling caused by allergies, indigestion, or fluid retention.
  • Describing objects expanding: balloons, tires, or containers that swell due to pressure.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 肚子 (dùzi zhàng): stomach bloated, often due to indigestion or gas.
  • (liǎn zhàng): face swollen, often from allergy or injury.
  • (zhàng qì): bloating caused by gas.

Usage Notes

is a descriptive verb and often appears with adverbs or complements indicating degree (e.g., 厉害, 快要). It is different from (zhǒng), which also means swollen but often implies inflammation or injury. emphasizes expansion or bloating rather than redness or pain.

Avoid confusing with (zhǎng), which means 'to rise' or 'to increase' in price or water level, despite similar pronunciation.

Example Sentences

His stomach is very bloated; he might have an upset stomach.

The balloon was blown up so much that it was about to burst.

His face swelled up because of an allergy.