层

層

céng

云 + 尸

HSK 2.0Level 3

HSK 3.0Level 3

Definitions

céng (noun) layer; floor (of a building); story

céng (classifier) classifier for layers; levels

Etymology

Simplified form of 層. Phonosemantic compound. 户 represents the meaning and 曾 represents the sound.

About

层 is the simplified version of the traditional character 層, a phonosemantic compound. The semantic component 尸 appears at the upper left, and in this context it represents a roof, overhanging cliff, or dwelling rather than a human body. The phonetic component 云 replaced the more complex 曾 (which meant 'previously') to reduce strokes while still indicating the pronunciation. Together, these elements suggest tiers or layers sheltered beneath a single roof. The character primarily means 'layer,' 'tier,' or 'level,' and it functions as the standard measure word for building stories, stacks of objects, and levels within organizational hierarchies.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我家住在一层。

Wǒ jiā zhù zài yī céng.

My family lives on the first floor.

蛋糕有很多层。

Dàngāo yǒu hěn duō céng.

The cake has many layers.

这个问题有多个层面。

Zhège wèntí yǒu duō gè céngmiàn.

This problem has multiple aspects.

云层很厚，今天会下雨。

Yúncéng hěn hòu, jīntiān huì xià yǔ.

The cloud layer is thick, and it will rain today.

社会的底层需要更多关注。

Shèhuì de dǐcéng xūyào gèng duō guānzhù.

The bottom layer of society needs more attention.

这本书的内容层次很丰富。

Zhè běn shū de nèiróng céngcì hěn fēngfù.

The content of this book has rich layers.

在管理层面，我们需要改进决策过程。

Zài guǎnlǐ céngmiàn, wǒmen xūyào gǎijìn juécè guòchéng.

At the management level, we need to improve the decision-making process.

通过层层筛选，他终于获得了这个职位。

Tōngguò céng céng shāixuǎn, tā zhōngyú huòdéle zhège zhíwèi.

Through layer upon layer of selection, he finally obtained this position.

Related Characters

Component: 云

Component: 尸

层