Definitions

chōng (verb) to fill; to fulfill
chōng (verb) to substitute; to act in place of
chōng (adjective) full; sufficient

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "充" is structured with the component "亠" positioned above the radical "儿", a configuration that visually implies a person under a covering, initially conveying the idea of being filled or nurtured to a state of completeness. Etymologically, it stemmed from concepts of growth and provision, denoting the act of making something whole or sufficient. Over centuries, its semantic range broadened from concrete meanings of filling and stocking to encompass abstract functions such as serving in a capacity or fulfilling a role, all while retaining the foundational notion of adequacy and fulfillment. The graphical form has seen little alteration, with no separate traditional variant, allowing its core significance to endure through various phases of the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

房间里满阳光。

Fángjiān lǐ chōngmǎn yángguāng.

The room is filled with sunlight.

我需要给手机电。

Wǒ xūyào gěi shǒujī chōngdiàn.

I need to charge my phone.

我们有足的时间。

Wǒmen yǒu chōngzú de shíjiān.

We have sufficient time.

当了我们的向导。

Tā chōngdāngle wǒmen de xiàngdǎo.

He acted as our guide.

这本书内容很实。

Zhè běn shū nèiróng hěn chōngshí.

This book has substantial content.

我们必须分利用资源。

Wǒmen bìxū chōngfèn lìyòng zīyuán.

We must make full use of resources.

公司计划扩业务范围。

Gōngsī jìhuà kuòchōng yèwù fànwéi.

The company plans to expand its business scope.

他以志愿者的身份当代课老师。

Tā yǐ zhìyuànzhě de shēnfèn chōngdāng dàikè lǎoshī.

He serves as a substitute teacher in the capacity of a volunteer.