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中心 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
中心zhōngxīncenterHSK 5, n, rank #935, Medium
中心zhōngxīnheartHSK 5, n, rank #935, Medium
中心zhōngxīncoreHSK 5, n, rank #935, Medium
中心zhōngxīn>个[gè]HSK 5, n, rank #935, Medium
zhōngxīn(zhong1xin1) T1
  1. 1center
  2. 2heart
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March 24, 2026
中心zhōngxīn(zhong1xin1)

The word '中心' (zhōngxīn) refers to the center or core of something, whether it's a physical location, a conceptual space, or the heart of an issue. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing the center of a city, the core of a problem, or the main focus of attention.

Frequency#935DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese urban planning, the concept of '中心' is significant, with many cities designed around a central area where commerce and culture thrive, reflecting the importance of community in daily life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bright blue circle at the center of a target. The circle represents '中' (middle), while '心' (heart) symbolizes the core of your feelings. Together, they form '中心', reminding you that everything revolves around this heart.

Meanings of 中心

zhōngxīn(zhong1xin1)
1center
2heart
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 中心

中心Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#935Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 中心

JasonAmy

Podcast: 中心

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AI Study Notes for 中心

Quick Contrast

核心 (héxīn) - use '中心' when referring to a physical or general center, while '核心' emphasizes the essential core or heart of a concept.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a bright blue circle at the center of a target. The circle represents '中' (middle), while '心' (heart) symbolizes the core of your feelings. Together, they form '中心', reminding you that everything revolves around this heart.

Usage Notes

'中心' is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include '中心思想' (central idea) and '市中心' (city center). Be cautious with the tonal pronunciation, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, '中心' is crucial for discussing topics related to location, importance, or central ideas. Focus on using it in sentences that express a focal point or main idea, connecting it with other HSK Level 5 vocabulary like '问题' (problem) or '发展' (development).

Cultural Note

In Chinese urban planning, the concept of '中心' is significant, with many cities designed around a central area where commerce and culture thrive, reflecting the importance of community in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '中心' with '中间' (middle), as both relate to positioning. For example, saying '我在中心的房间' (I am in the center room) is incorrect; it should be '我在房间中间' (I am in the middle of the room).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 中心

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Component Characters

中zhōngmiddle
HSK 34 strokes丨
View full entry
心xīnheart
HSK 44 strokes心
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Write 中心

中
心

Practice writing 中心 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 中心

中心 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 4 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.

Related grammar lessons4
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

我们不能以自己为____，要多考虑别人的感受。

We cannot be self-centered; we should consider others' feelings more.

Example Sentences for 中心 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
新的购物中心耗资110万建成。

xīn de gòu wù zhōng xīn hào zī110 110 wàn jiàn。

The new shopping centre was constructed at a cost of 1 million.
2
该中心95%以上的工作人员是志愿者.

gāi zhōng xīn95% 95% yǐ shàng de gōng zuò rén yuán shì zhì yuàn.

Volunteers constitute more than 95% of The Center's work force.
3
早期的天文学家认为我们的星球是宇宙的中心。

zǎo qī de tiān wén xué jiā rèn wéi wǒ mén de xīng qiú shì yǔ zhòu de zhōng xīn。

Early astronomers thought that our planet was the centre of the universe.
4
现在我们住得离市中心更远了。

xiàn zài wǒ mén zhù dé lí shì zhōng xīn gēng yuǎn le。

Now we live further away from the city centre.
5
休闲中心是一个狭长而低矮的现代建筑。

xiū xián zhōng xīn shì yī gè xiá cháng ér dī ǎi de xiàn dài jiàn zhù。

The Leisure Center is a long and low modern building.
6
吸引他到该地区的原因是那里靠近伦敦市中心。

xī yǐn tā dào gāi dì qū de yuán yīn shì nà lǐ kào jìn lún dūn shì zhōng xīn。

What drew him to the area was its proximity to central London.
7
新近发生的事情使得他的中心主题显得更加有的放矢。

xīn jìn fā shēng de shì qíng shǐ dé tā de zhōng xīn zhǔ tí xiǎn dé gēng jiā yǒu de fàng shǐ。

Recent events have made his central theme even more apposite.
8
他占据了房间中心的位置。

tā zhān jù le fáng jiān zhōng xīn de wèi zhì。

He had taken up a position in the centre of the room.
9
对这两个中心发生的谋杀的报道令人不安。

duì zhè liǎng gè zhōng xīn fā shēng de móu shā de bào dào líng rén bù ān。

There are disturbing reports of killings at the two centres.
10
这种布置让人想起都市里的艺术休闲中心。

zhè zhǒng bù zhì ràng rén xiǎng qǐ dū shì lǐ de yì shù xiū xián zhōng xīn。

The decor was reminiscent of a municipal arts-and-leisure centre.

Cultural Notes for 中心

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese urban planning, the concept of '中心' is significant, with many cities designed around a central area where commerce and culture thrive, reflecting the importance of community in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions about 中心

You can say '这个城市的中心在这里' (The center of this city is here) to describe a location.