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March 24, 2026
东(東)dōng(dong1)
The character '东' (dōng) primarily means 'east' and is often associated with directions, particularly in relation to geography or orientation. It can also refer to a host or landlord, particularly in contexts where seating arrangements are important, such as in traditional dining settings. The nuance of '东' as a direction conveys cultural significance, as it relates to the sun's rising in the east.
Strokes5Radical一Frequency#1924DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the direction east is significant as it is associated with rebirth and new beginnings, symbolized by the sunrise. This can be seen in practices such as feng shui, where the orientation of buildings and rooms are often dictated by direction.
Memory Tip
To remember '东', visualize the sun rising in the east, illuminating the letter 'D' (for '东') as it dawns. Imagine a host (maybe a friendly landlord) welcoming guests from the eastern side of a table, symbolizing the warmth of the sun and hospitality.
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AI Study Notes for 东
Quick Contrast
南 (nán, south) - Use '东' when referring to the east direction specifically, while '南' indicates the south.
Memory Mnemonic
To remember '东', visualize the sun rising in the east, illuminating the letter 'D' (for '东') as it dawns. Imagine a host (maybe a friendly landlord) welcoming guests from the eastern side of a table, symbolizing the warmth of the sun and hospitality.
Usage Notes
'东' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but care should be taken with its pronunciation, especially the tone. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar sounding characters, so be attentive to its tone and context. Typical collocations include '东方' (Oriental, eastern), '东边' (eastern side), and '东风' (east wind).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '东' connects to other directional words like '南' (south), '西' (west), and '北' (north). Students should focus on using '东' in sentences to practice its application in direction or location-based contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the direction east is significant as it is associated with rebirth and new beginnings, symbolized by the sunrise. This can be seen in practices such as feng shui, where the orientation of buildings and rooms are often dictated by direction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '东' with '冬' (winter) due to similar pronunciation. Remember that '冬' has a falling tone. Another mistake is using '东' inappropriately in phrases where a different directional character is required, such as saying '东边的西' (eastern west) instead of '西边的东' (western east).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 东
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六书 ClassificationPictograph (象形字)~4% of characters
Explanation
Pictograph of a basket or a bag. The current meaning "east" is a phonetic loan. The simplified character 东 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 東.
Memory Hint
Simplified form of 東, the sun 日 rising behind a tree 木
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Grammar Patterns of 东
东 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 5 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.
Whatever is hidden is harmful (hence revelation equals security).
9
由于约翰逊东窗事发，他们的体育声誉受到了严重损害。
yóu yú yuē hàn xùn dōng chuāng shì fā， ， tā mén de tǐ yù shēng yù shòu dào le yán zhòng sǔn。
Their sporting reputation has suffered enormously from Johnson's exposure.
10
囚犯撒野闹事，砸毁了所有挡路的东西。
qiú fàn sā yě nào shì， ， zá huǐ le suǒ yǒu dǎng lù de dōng。
The prisoners went on the rampage destroying everything in their way.
Cultural Notes for 东
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the direction east is significant as it is associated with rebirth and new beginnings, symbolized by the sunrise. This can be seen in practices such as feng shui, where the orientation of buildings and rooms are often dictated by direction.
Word Family of 东
Compounds6
冻dong4to freeze
陈Chen2surname Chen
栋dong4classifier for houses or buildings
鸫dong1thrush; Turdus species (various)
岽Dong1a mountain in Guangxi province
胨dong4peptone
Words Containing This Character20
东西dōngxithing東西
东dōngeast東
股东gǔdōngshareholder股東
广东Guangdong province (Kwangtung) in south China, short name 粵|粤[Yuè], capital Guangzhou 廣州|广州廣東
山东Shandong province (Shantung) in northeast China, abbr. 魯|鲁, capital 濟南|济南山東
东方dōngfāngthe East東方
东北dōngběiManchuria東北
东京Tokyo, capital of Japan東京
东部dōngbùthe east東部
毛泽东Mao Zedong (1893-1976), Chinese communist leader毛澤東
广东省Guangdong province (Kwangtung) in south China, short name 粵|粤[Yuè], capital Guangzhou 廣州|广州廣東省
股东大会general shareholders' meeting股東大會
毛泽东思想Maoism毛澤東思想
中东Middle East中東
山东省Shandong Province (Shantung) in northeast China, abbr. 魯|鲁[Lǔ], capital Ji'nan 濟南|济南[Jǐnán]山東省
东南dōngnánsoutheast東南
东莞Dongguan prefecture-level city in Guangdong 廣東省|广东省[Guǎngdōngshěng]東莞
东南亚Southeast Asia東南亞
东亚East Asia東亞
房东fángdōnglandlord房東
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 冻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 东
'东' is often found in phrases like '东方' (Oriental) and '东边' (eastern side), which are useful in both everyday conversation and navigation.
Pay attention to the tone; '东' (dōng) has a high-level tone. Practice listening to native speakers and repeating to ensure accuracy.
