Definitions

zēng (verb) to increase; to add
zēng (verb) to expand

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 增 is structured with the earth radical 土 on the left and the component 曾 on the right, where 曾 serves as a phonetic element while also implying repetition or layering. Etymologically, it derived from the concrete action of adding to or heightening earthen structures, such as mounds or embankments. Over time, its meaning expanded from this physical context of augmentation to encompass any form of increase, whether in quantity, size, or intensity, reflecting a generalization from material addition to abstract enhancement. The character's composite form has not altered, with 土 denoting the original material association and 曾 contributing both sound and a sense of cumulative process.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们加了产量。

Wǒmen zēngjiā le chǎnliàng.

We increased production.

人口长很快。

Rénkǒu zēngzhǎng hěn kuài.

The population growth is fast.

锻炼可以强体质。

Duànliàn kěyǐ zēngqiáng tǐzhì.

Exercise can strengthen physical fitness.

学习能进知识。

Xuéxí néng zēngjìn zhīshi.

Learning can enhance knowledge.

房地产价值值了。

Fángdìchǎn jiàzhí zēngzhí le.

The real estate value has appreciated.

今年利润幅很大。

Jīnnián lìrùn zēngfú hěn dà.

This year's profit growth rate is very high.

军队需要援部队。

Jūnduì xūyào zēngyuán bùduì.

The army needs reinforcing troops.

通过技术创新来加市场份额是公司的战略。

Tōngguò jìshù chuàngxīn lái zēngjiā shìchǎng fèn'é shì gōngsī de zhànlüè.

Increasing market share through technological innovation is the company's strategy.