征

徵

zhēng

彳 + 正

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

zhēng (verb) to levy; to collect (taxes)

zhēng (verb) to draft; to recruit (troops)

zhēng (noun) military expedition; campaign

zhēng (noun) symptom; sign; indication

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 彳 represents the meaning and 正 represents the sound. Originally written as 正.

Semantic: 彳 Phonetic: 正

About

The character 征 (zhēng) merges two historically distinct characters: 征 and 徵. Originally written as 正, 征 is a phono-semantic compound, 彳 (chì, 'step, walk') carries the meaning, while 正 (zhèng) provides the sound. It initially denoted a long journey, especially a punitive military expedition. The traditional 徵, also built around a step component, added the notion of summoning or calling upon. Now unified, 征 covers a broad spectrum: military campaigns, levying taxes or troops, extensive travel, and observable signs, symptoms, or tangible evidence.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们征求你的意见。

Wǒmen zhēngqiú nǐ de yìjiàn.

We solicit your opinion.

政府征收了新的税款。

Zhèngfǔ zhēngshōu le xīn de shuìkuǎn.

The government levied new taxes.

他开始了漫长的征途。

Tā kāishǐ le màncháng de zhēngtú.

He began a long journey.

军队正在征兵准备战争。

Jūnduì zhèngzài zhēngbīng zhǔnbèi zhànzhēng.

The army is conscripting soldiers to prepare for war.

这些云是下雨的征兆。

Zhèxiē yún shì xià yǔ de zhēngzhào.

These clouds are a sign of rain.

战时政府可以征用私人财产。

Zhàn shí zhèngfǔ kěyǐ zhēngyòng sīrén cáichǎn.

During war, the government can requisition private property.

人类已经征服了许多疾病。

Rénlèi yǐjīng zhēngfú le xǔduō jíbìng.

Mankind has conquered many diseases.

他的征途充满了挑战和机遇。

Tā de zhēngtú chōngmǎn le tiǎozhàn hé jīyù.

His journey is full of challenges and opportunities.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 彳

Component: 正

Example Words