unknown, 7 strokes, radical 山, rank #45991, Very Hard
cén(Cen2) T2
1steep, precipitous; peak
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March 24, 2026
岑cén(Cen2)
The character 岑 (cén) primarily means steep or precipitous, often used to describe a mountain peak or high place. It can also function as a surname in Chinese culture. This character conveys a sense of elevation and ruggedness, commonly used in poetic or literary contexts.
Strokes7Radical山Frequency#45991DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The character 岑 is often found in classical Chinese poetry, where mountains symbolize strength and beauty. It reflects the importance of nature in Chinese culture and literature, where mountains are revered as sacred.
Memory Tip
Imagine a steep mountain peak (the shape of 岑) rising sharply into the sky. The sound 'cén' can remind you of 'zen' as in achieving enlightenment at the peak of a mountain, where the journey is both challenging and rewarding.
Meanings of 岑
cén(Cen2)
1steep, precipitous; peak
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 岑
岑Simplified
7Strokes
山Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 岑
Podcast: 岑
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AI Study Notes for 岑
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a steep mountain peak (the shape of 岑) rising sharply into the sky. The sound 'cén' can remind you of 'zen' as in achieving enlightenment at the peak of a mountain, where the journey is both challenging and rewarding.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 岑 (cén) with similar-sounding characters, as tones can change meanings significantly. This character is used in both formal and literary contexts, so it’s best used in descriptive writing about nature or poetry. Common collocations include 山岑 (mountain peak).
HSK Study Tips
While 岑 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with HSK level 3 words related to nature and geography. Students should focus on understanding the context of high places and how this character can enhance descriptive language.
Cultural Note
The character 岑 is often found in classical Chinese poetry, where mountains symbolize strength and beauty. It reflects the importance of nature in Chinese culture and literature, where mountains are revered as sacred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 岑 (cén) with similar characters like 岔 (chà), which has a different meaning related to forks or branches. Always check the tone and context to ensure correct usage.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 岑
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Grammar Patterns of 岑
岑 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 1
Complete the Sentence
萨拉____成为了首位高尔夫四大满贯赛冠军。
Sarazen became the first golfer to win all four majors.
Example Sentences for 岑 (1)
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1
萨拉岑成为了首位高尔夫四大满贯赛冠军。
sà lā cén chéng wéi le shǒu wèi gāo ěr fū sì dà mǎn guàn sài guān jūn。
Sarazen became the first golfer to win all four majors.
Cultural Notes for 岑
🏮Cultural insight
The character 岑 is often found in classical Chinese poetry, where mountains symbolize strength and beauty. It reflects the importance of nature in Chinese culture and literature, where mountains are revered as sacred.
Word Family of 岑
Words Containing This Character6
岑cénsurname Cen
岑溪Cenxi county level city in Wuzhou 梧州[Wúzhōu], Guangxi
岑巩县Cengong county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture 黔東南州|黔东南州[Qiándōngnánzhōu], Guizhou岑鞏縣
岑巩Cengong county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture 黔東南州|黔东南州[Qiándōngnánzhōu], Guizhou岑鞏
岑彭Cen Peng (died 35 AD), Chinese general
岑溪市Cenxi county level city in Wuzhou 梧州[Wúzhōu], Guangxi
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 岑 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 岑
It is pronounced as 'cén' with a rising tone.
Yes, it is a recognized surname but less common compared to others like Wang or Li.
It is more appropriate in literary contexts or when discussing geography, rather than in casual conversation.
