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March 24, 2026
上当(上當)shàngdàng(shang4dang4)
The term '上当' (shàng dàng) refers to being deceived or fooled, often in the context of a scam or trick. It conveys the sense of falling victim to someone's deceitful tactics, highlighting the vulnerability of the deceived party in various situations, such as financial scams or deceptive promises.
Frequency#9425DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being '上当' reflects the importance of caution in interpersonal dealings and highlights societal concerns over scams, especially in business transactions. This notion is prevalent in discussions about consumer protection and trust in relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person climbing (上) onto a stage (当) where a magician performs a trick, only to realize they've been tricked. The image of climbing up to be fooled helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning of '上当'.
Meanings of 上当
shàngdàng(shang4dang4)
1taken in (by sb's deceit)
2to be fooled
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 上当
上当Simplified
上當Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#9425Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 上当
Podcast: 上当
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AI Study Notes for 上当
Quick Contrast
受骗 (shòupiàn): use '上当' when emphasizing the act of being tricked, while '受骗' focuses more on the experience of being deceived.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person climbing (上) onto a stage (当) where a magician performs a trick, only to realize they've been tricked. The image of climbing up to be fooled helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning of '上当'.
Usage Notes
'上当' is commonly used in informal contexts and can be paired with verbs like '被' (beì) to indicate being fooled by someone. A common mistake is using it in overly formal contexts, where '受骗' (shòupìan) might be more appropriate. Make sure to use the correct tones to avoid confusion with other phrases.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '上当' connects to other vocabulary related to deception and fraud. Focus on expanding your vocabulary around these themes, such as '骗局' (piànjú - scam) and '欺骗' (qīpiàn - to deceive), to better understand the nuances of such terms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being '上当' reflects the importance of caution in interpersonal dealings and highlights societal concerns over scams, especially in business transactions. This notion is prevalent in discussions about consumer protection and trust in relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '上当' with '受骗' (shòupìan), which is more commonly used in formal contexts. For example, saying '我受骗了' is correct, while '我上当了' is more casual and should be used in informal conversations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 上当
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Grammar Patterns of 上当
上当 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 3 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.
You'd better watch out, or you'll be getting done in.
2
但是客观类型的题很容易使人上当并且答案迷惑人.
dàn shì kè guān lèi xíng de tí hěn róng yì shǐ rén shàng dāng bìng qiě dá àn mí huò rén.
But the objective type can be very tricky and the answer sheets confusing.
3
他们很快便意识到自己上当了。
tā mén hěn kuài biàn yì shí dào zì jǐ shàng dāng le。
They soon realized they had been duped.
4
魔术师让我们以为箱子是空的,让我们上当.
mó shù shī ràng wǒ mén yǐ wéi xiāng zǐ shì kōng de, , ràng wǒ mén shàng.
The magician deceived us by making us think the box was empty.
5
我买了那部旧车确实是上当了.
wǒ mǎi le nà bù jiù chē què shí shì shàng dāng le.
I was certainly bitten when I bought that old car.
6
你上当了 -- 那所房子都要塌了!
nǐ shàng dāng le-- -- nà suǒ fáng zǐ dū yào tā!
You've been sold a pup -- that house is nearly falling down!
Cultural Notes for 上当
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being '上当' reflects the importance of caution in interpersonal dealings and highlights societal concerns over scams, especially in business transactions. This notion is prevalent in discussions about consumer protection and trust in relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 上当
'上当' is versatile and can apply to various forms of deceit, not just financial, such as emotional manipulation or social tricks.
Yes, a more formal expression would be '受到欺骗' (shòudào qīpiàn), which conveys a similar meaning.
You could say '我上当了' (Wǒ shàng dàng le), meaning 'I was fooled'.
