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. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Originally written as .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "征" structurally integrates the movement radical 彳 with the component 正, implying aligned or correct forward motion, an etymology that initially conveyed the notion of organized military campaigns or long-distance journeys. Its early usage centered on these concrete expeditions, but over time the meaning extended to encompass associated acts of authority like conscripting soldiers or levying goods, reflecting a shift from pure movement to imposed demand. This semantic broadening further allowed "征" to acquire more abstract applications, such as seeking or collecting intangible things like opinions or participation, while its fundamental composition continues to suggest directed action.

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

我们求你的意见。

Wǒmen zhēngqiú nǐ de yìjiàn.

We solicit your opinion.

政府收了新的税款。

Zhèngfǔ zhēngshōu le xīn de shuìkuǎn.

The government levied new taxes.

他开始了漫长的途。

Tā kāishǐ le màncháng de zhēngtú.

He began a long journey.

军队正在兵准备战争。

Jūnduì zhèngzài zhēngbīng zhǔnbèi zhànzhēng.

The army is conscripting soldiers to prepare for war.

这些云是下雨的兆。

Zhèxiē yún shì xià yǔ de zhēngzhào.

These clouds are a sign of rain.

战时政府可以用私人财产。

Zhàn shí zhèngfǔ kěyǐ zhēngyòng sīrén cáichǎn.

During war, the government can requisition private property.

人类已经服了许多疾病。

Rénlèi yǐjīng zhēngfú le xǔduō jíbìng.

Mankind has conquered many diseases.

他的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.