Meanings of 重
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About 重
Podcast: 重
Podcast: 重
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AI Study Notes for 重
重 (zhòng, heavy) vs 轻 (qīng, light) — use 重 when describing something of significant weight or seriousness, while 轻 applies to lighter or less serious contexts.
Imagine lifting a heavy weight (重) that you need to lift again (重), making it feel doubly heavy. The character looks like a person (the top horizontal line represents their arms) struggling with a heavy load, reminding you of both the physical weight and the concept of repetition.
Be careful not to confuse 重 with 轻 (qīng), which means 'light'. In informal contexts, it is often used to emphasize seriousness, such as in 重视 (zhòngshì, to attach importance to). Pay attention to the tones; a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 重 connects well with other vocabulary related to weight and importance, such as 轻 (qīng) and 重要 (zhòngyào, important). Focus on using it in phrases that express repetition or seriousness to strengthen your understanding.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 重 is often associated with the importance of respect and seriousness in relationships and duties, such as in 重情重义 (zhòngqíng zhòngyì), which emphasizes the value of loyalty and emotional connections.
Learners often confuse 重 with 重复 (chóngfù, to repeat), which has a more specific meaning related to repetition. Instead of saying '重重' for 'to repeat', use '重复'.
Pronunciation of 重
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Etymology of 重
Pictograph of a person (亻) carrying a heavy basket (東).
A burden carried for a thousand 千 miles 里
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 重?
Decomposition of 重
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 重?
Write 重
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Practice writing 重 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 重
重 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 9 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.
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这是重的书。
This is a heavy book.
Complete the Sentence
这篇文章写得不好，请____新写。
This essay is not well written — please rewrite it.
Common Confusions with 重
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Similar sound but different meanings.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "heavy"?
Usage Notes for 重
重 can mean heavy or to emphasize, while 重要 specifically means important.
这个问题很重。
This issue is very serious.
这个问题很重要。
This issue is very important.
Fill in the Blank
这个问题很____。
This issue is very serious.
Example Sentences for 重 (10)
Cultural Notes for 重
In Chinese culture, the number '重' (zhòng) is often associated with strength and importance. For example, 重视 (zhòng shì) means to attach importance to something, highlighting the value placed on certain relationships or responsibilities.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 重 is often associated with the importance of respect and seriousness in relationships and duties, such as in 重情重义 (zhòngqíng zhòngyì), which emphasizes the value of loyalty and emotional connections.
Word Family of 重
Compound Meaning
What does 董 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 重
重 (chóng) focuses on the concept of repeating an action, whereas 再 (zài) emphasizes doing something again in the future. For instance, '我再来一次' means 'I will come again,' while '我重来一次' implies 'I will repeat my arrival.' Understanding the context helps in choosing the right word.