Meanings of 整
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 整
Podcast: 整
Podcast: 整
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 整
整 (zhěng) vs 完 (wán) — use 整 when emphasizing order or arrangement, while 完 focuses on completion or finishing something.
Imagine a perfectly arranged shelf with everything in its place - that’s 整 (zhěng). The left side of the character, '正', looks like a straight line, representing order and correctness, while the right side, '整', suggests an assembly of parts coming together to form a whole.
Be cautious of using 整 in overly formal contexts, as it is often more common in everyday speech. A common mistake is using 整 when you mean '整齐' (zhěngqí) for 'neat' or 'tidy,' but 整 can imply a more general sense of completeness. It often collocates with nouns like '房子' (house) or '事情' (things) to denote repairs or organization.
Although 整 is not specifically listed in HSK, it relates to HSK 3-4 level vocabulary that deals with everyday activities and organization. Students should focus on using it in phrases and contexts that emphasize order and completeness, as well as its colloquial uses.
In Chinese culture, the concept of order and neatness is highly valued, often reflecting one's character and discipline. The phrase '整齐划一' (zhěngqí huáyī) captures the cultural significance of uniformity and order in society.
Learners often confuse 整 with '整齐' (zhěngqí), thinking they can be used interchangeably, but 整 implies a broader sense of completeness. For example, saying '房子整齐' is incorrect; it should be '房子整' if referring to the house being repaired or in order.
Pronunciation of 整
Drill the tone of 整 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 整
Phonosemantic compound. 敕 represents the meaning and 正 represents the sound.
order
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 整?
Decomposition of 整
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 整?
Write 整
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 整 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 整
整 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.
Used to emphasize the completeness or exactness of an action.
这件事情是整的。
This matter is complete.
Complete the Sentence
你把书架上的书放____齐。
Arrange the books on the bookshelf neatly.
Common Confusions with 整
Similar pronunciation and shape, but different meanings.
整 often means complete or in order, while 正 means upright or correct.
他整齐地排列，和他正直的性格相符。
整 often means complete or in order, while 正 means upright or correct.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "exactly"?
Example Sentences for 整 (10)
Cultural Notes for 整
In Chinese culture, the concept of order and organization is paramount. The character 整 embodies the idea of being orderly and complete, which is often valued in social interactions and daily life.
In Chinese culture, the concept of order and neatness is highly valued, often reflecting one's character and discipline. The phrase '整齐划一' (zhěngqí huáyī) captures the cultural significance of uniformity and order in society.
Word Family of 整
Compound Meaning
What does 整个 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 整
整 (zhěng) and 完整 (wánzhěng) both imply completeness, but 整 emphasizes order and arrangement, while 完整 stresses that something is complete without missing parts. 整 can also mean 'exactly' in certain contexts, adding a nuance of precision.