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占据 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
占据zhànjùto occupyHSK 6, v, rank #6328, Hard
占据zhànjùto holdHSK 6, v, rank #6328, Hard
zhànjù(zhan4ju4) T4
  1. 1to occupy
  2. 2to hold
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March 24, 2026
占据(佔據)zhànjù(zhan4ju4)

占据 (zhànjù) means to occupy or hold a position, space, or territory. It is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as describing a location taken by a group or a dominant idea in a discussion. The term often implies a sense of control or dominance over what is occupied.

Frequency#6328DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of occupation can be linked to historical events in China, such as foreign occupations during the 19th and 20th centuries, which have shaped modern Chinese nationalism and identity. Understanding this context can provide depth to your use of 占据.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant occupying a small town, literally 'sitting on' it. The character 占 (zhàn) resembles a person standing firm, emphasizing the act of occupying, while 据 (jù) can be thought of as 'grabbing' or 'holding on' to something tightly.

Meanings of 占据

zhànjù(zhan4ju4)
1to occupy
2to hold
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 占据

占据Simplified
佔據Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6328Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 占据

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Podcast: 占据

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AI Study Notes for 占据

Quick Contrast

占领 (zhànlǐng) vs 占据 (zhànjù): use 占领 when referring specifically to seizing or taking control of a territory, often in a military context, while 占据 implies a more general holding or occupying of a space.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a giant occupying a small town, literally 'sitting on' it. The character 占 (zhàn) resembles a person standing firm, emphasizing the act of occupying, while 据 (jù) can be thought of as 'grabbing' or 'holding on' to something tightly.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the context in which you use 占据, as it can sound aggressive if used improperly. It is more formal and often used in written language or serious discussions. Common collocations include 占据市场 (occupy the market) and 占据优势 (hold an advantage).

HSK Study Tips

As a level 6 HSK word, 占据 connects with other advanced vocabulary regarding authority and control, such as 控制 (kòngzhì - to control) and 领导 (lǐngdǎo - to lead). Focus on the nuances between different words for occupying or holding to strengthen your understanding.

Cultural Note

The concept of occupation can be linked to historical events in China, such as foreign occupations during the 19th and 20th centuries, which have shaped modern Chinese nationalism and identity. Understanding this context can provide depth to your use of 占据.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 占据 with 占用. For instance, saying '我占用这个位置' (I occupy this position) should be '我占据这个位置' instead, as 占用 implies a temporary use rather than a permanent hold.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 占据

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Component Characters

占zhànto occupy
HSK 55 strokes⺊
View full entry
据jùaccording to
HSK 511 strokes扌
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Write 占据

占
据

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

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Grammar Patterns of 占据

占据 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 2 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 4

Complete the Sentence

军队仍然是男人____的最后堡垒之一。

The army is still one of the last male bastions.

Example Sentences for 占据 (7)

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1
军队仍然是男人占据的最后堡垒之一。

jūn duì réng rán shì nán rén zhān jù de zuì hòu bǎo lěi zhī yī。

The army is still one of the last male bastions.
2
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.
3
当一些事情的发生动摇这些信念时，恐惧就会占据我们的心灵。

dāng yī xiē shì qíng de fā shēng dòng yáo zhè xiē xìn niàn shí， ， kǒng jù jiù huì zhān jù wǒ mén de xīn。

When events happen that shake these beliefs, our fear takes control.
4
劳拉·戴维斯确信能在欧洲队中占据一席之地。

láo lā· · dài wéi sī què xìn néng zài ōu zhōu duì zhōng zhān jù yī xí zhī。

Laura Davies is assured of a place in Europe's team.
5
他继续在安哥拉总统大选中占据领先地位。

tā jì xù zài ān gē lā zǒng tǒng dà xuǎn zhōng zhān jù lǐng xiān dì wèi。

He continued to hold a lead in Angola's presi-dential race.
6
1987年，麦当劳占据了整个快餐业销售额的19%。

1987 1987， nián ， mài dāng láo zhān jù le zhěng gè kuài cān yè xiāo shòu19%。

In 1987, McDonald's captured 19 percent of all fast-food sales.
7
罗马尼亚划浆手以快速有力的划水占据了领先位置.

luó mǎ ní yà huá jiāng shǒu yǐ kuài sù yǒu lì de huá shuǐ zhān jù le lǐng xiān wèi zhì.

The Romanian rowers pulled ahead with fast, powerful strokes.

Cultural Notes for 占据

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of occupation can be linked to historical events in China, such as foreign occupations during the 19th and 20th centuries, which have shaped modern Chinese nationalism and identity. Understanding this context can provide depth to your use of 占据.

Frequently Asked Questions about 占据

Yes, it can describe ideas or opinions occupying a conversation or a market.