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争端 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
争端zhēngduāndisputeHSK 7, n, rank #13787, Hard
争端zhēngduāncontroversyHSK 7, n, rank #13787, Hard
争端zhēngduānconflictHSK 7, n, rank #13787, Hard
zhēngduān(zheng1duan1) T1
  1. 1dispute
  2. 2controversy
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March 24, 2026
争端(爭端)zhēngduān(zheng1duan1)

争端 (zhēngduān) refers to a disagreement or conflict between parties, often involving a contentious issue that leads to disputes. It can be used in various contexts, such as legal, political, or interpersonal situations, highlighting the serious nature of the disagreement.

Frequency#13787DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of 争端 is prevalent in Chinese history, particularly in the context of territorial disputes and diplomatic negotiations, reflecting the importance of harmony and resolution in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Imagine two people, each holding a flag representing their side of an argument, standing at a border where a '争' (zhēng, to argue) line is drawn. The '端' (duān, end) represents the end of a peaceful discussion. Together, they illustrate a '争端' where conflict arises.

Meanings of 争端

zhēngduān(zheng1duan1)
1dispute
2controversy
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 争端

争端Simplified
爭端Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13787Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 争端

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Podcast: 争端

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AI Study Notes for 争端

Quick Contrast

争议 (zhēngyì) refers to a controversy or debate that may not necessarily involve direct conflict, while 争端 (zhēngduān) implies a more serious disagreement that can lead to disputes.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine two people, each holding a flag representing their side of an argument, standing at a border where a '争' (zhēng, to argue) line is drawn. The '端' (duān, end) represents the end of a peaceful discussion. Together, they illustrate a '争端' where conflict arises.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when using 争端, as it is often associated with serious disputes, making it more formal. Common collocations include '国际争端' (international dispute) and '法律争端' (legal dispute). Avoid using it in casual conversations where lighter terms might be more appropriate.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 争端 connects well with other academic and formal vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in case studies or discussions about current events to enhance comprehension of its implications in real-world scenarios.

Cultural Note

The concept of 争端 is prevalent in Chinese history, particularly in the context of territorial disputes and diplomatic negotiations, reflecting the importance of harmony and resolution in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 争端 with 争斗 (zhēngdòu, fight), which implies physical conflict rather than a dispute. For example, saying '他们有一个争斗' (They have a dispute) is incorrect; it should be '他们有一个争端'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 争端

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Component Characters

zhēngto strive for
HSK 56 strokes
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duānend
HSK 614 strokes
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Write 争端

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

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Grammar Patterns of 争端

争端 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 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

中国历来主张通过对话解决国际____。

China has always advocated resolving international disputes through dialogue.

Example Sentences for 争端 (4)

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1
这场政治争端有可能演化成一场全面爆发的危机。

zhè cháng zhèng zhì zhēng duān yǒu kě néng yǎn huà chéng yī cháng quán miàn bào fā de wēi jī。

This political row threatens to grow into a full blown crisis.
2
解决这一争端需要双方都有和解的意愿。

jiě jué zhè yī zhēng duān xū yào shuāng fāng dū yǒu hé jiě de yì yuàn。

Resolving the dispute will require a mood of conciliation on both sides.
3
两个邻国之间的争端和分歧应当通过双边途径解决。

liǎng gè lín guó zhī jiān de zhēng duān hé fēn qí yīng dāng tōng guò shuāng biān tú jìng jiě jué。

Disputes and differences between the two neighbours would be solved bilaterally.
4
谁在争端中充当调解人?

shuí zài zhēng duān zhōng chōng dāng tiáo jiě rén?

Who will act as mediator in the dispute.

Cultural Notes for 争端

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of 争端 is prevalent in Chinese history, particularly in the context of territorial disputes and diplomatic negotiations, reflecting the importance of harmony and resolution in Chinese culture.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, disputes may often be seen as opportunities for debate or discussion, whereas in Chinese culture, there is a stronger emphasis on avoiding conflict and maintaining harmony, making 争端 a more serious concern.

Frequently Asked Questions about 争端

争端 typically refers to a conflict or dispute, whereas 争议 focuses more on the controversy or differing opinions surrounding an issue.