Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
层次(層次)céngcì(ceng2ci4)
层次 (céngcì) refers to the arrangement or hierarchy of ideas, levels, or phases. It is commonly used in both academic contexts, such as structuring an argument or analysis, and in everyday situations, such as discussing social status or organizational hierarchy.
Frequency#8718DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy (层次) is significant, often influencing relationships and communication styles. Understanding one's 层次 can affect how one navigates social and professional environments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cake with multiple layers (层), where each layer represents a different stage or level (次) of flavor. Just as you can only enjoy the cake one layer at a time, you understand ideas in a structured level by level.
Meanings of 层次
céngcì(ceng2ci4)
1arrangement of ideas
2administrative level
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 层次
层次Simplified
層次Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#8718Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 层次
Podcast: 层次
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 层次
Quick Contrast
层级 (céngjí) — use 层次 when emphasizing the arrangement of ideas or concepts, while 层级 focuses more on the levels within a hierarchy.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cake with multiple layers (层), where each layer represents a different stage or level (次) of flavor. Just as you can only enjoy the cake one layer at a time, you understand ideas in a structured level by level.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 层次 with similar terms like 层 (céng), which means 'layer' alone. This word is somewhat formal, so it is more commonly used in written Chinese than in casual speech. Common collocations include '层次分明' (céngcì fēn míng), meaning 'clear hierarchy'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 层次 connects with other advanced vocabulary in discussing complexity and structure in ideas. Focus on using it in sentences that reflect layered thinking or hierarchical organization.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy (层次) is significant, often influencing relationships and communication styles. Understanding one's 层次 can affect how one navigates social and professional environments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 层次 in contexts where simpler terms like 层 (layer) are more appropriate. For example, saying '这个蛋糕的层次很美' (This cake's level is beautiful) should be corrected to '这个蛋糕的层次很美丽' (This cake's layers are beautiful).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 层次
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 层次 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 层次 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 层次
层次 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 8 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 3
Complete the Sentence
我们感到大家生活的精神____各不相同。
We felt we were living life on several different planes.
We felt we were living life on several different planes.
2
这些文章使读者对中国人的思维有了深层次的认识。
zhè xiē wén zhāng shǐ dú zhě duì zhōng guó rén de sī wéi yǒu le shēn céng cì de rèn shí。
These texts give the reader an insight into the Chinese mind.
3
指望在他的领导下发生更深层次的变革简直是痴心妄想。
zhǐ wàng zài tā de lǐng dǎo xià fā shēng gēng shēn céng cì de biàn gé jiǎn zhí shì chī xīn wàng xiǎng。
It is wishful thinking to expect deeper change under his leadership.
Cultural Notes for 层次
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of social hierarchy (层次) is significant, often influencing relationships and communication styles. Understanding one's 层次 can affect how one navigates social and professional environments.
Frequently Asked Questions about 层次
You might say, '这个报告的层次很清晰' (The structure of this report is very clear) or '他在公司中的层次很高' (He has a high standing in the company).
While it's more formal, you can use 层次 in informal settings when discussing ideas, but simpler words might be more common.
No, it can also refer to physical layers, like those in a building or cake, but is primarily used for abstract ideas.
