Definitions

zhāng (noun) chapter; section; article
zhāng (noun) seal; badge
zhāng (noun) regulation; order

Etymology

Possibly depicts using a blade () to engrave a block of jade. Based on the original meaning "jade ornament", now written as . Later the meaning shifted to "seal" and "chapter".

About

The character 章 has an etymology centered on the concept of visible distinction and formal presentation, with its early structure combining elements suggesting both sound and marking. The traditional form, which is also the simplified form, consists of 立 (to stand) over 早 (early), though analysis often interprets it as 音 (sound) over 十 (ten), implying a complete musical movement or a definitive marker. Its core meaning progressed from denoting a brilliant, conspicuous emblem or pattern to signifying a formal, ordered unit, such as a chapter in a document, a set of rules or regulations, or a commemorative seal. This semantic shift reflects an abstraction from a physical mark to a conceptual division of text or law, while retaining the underlying sense of something clearly defined and officially established.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
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 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 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

这篇文很精彩。

Zhè piān wénzhāng hěn jīngcǎi.

This article is wonderful.

他写了三小说。

Tā xiě le sān zhāng xiǎoshuō.

He wrote three chapters of a novel.

学校有新的程。

Xuéxiào yǒu xīn de zhāngchéng.

The school has new regulations.

她的奖很漂亮。

Tā de jiǎngzhāng hěn piàoliang.

Her medal is very beautiful.

鱼生活在海洋里。

Zhāngyú shēnghuó zài hǎiyáng lǐ.

Octopuses live in the ocean.

这篇文法很乱。

Zhè piān wénzhāng de zhāngfǎ hěn luàn.

The structure of this article is messy.

我们需要遵守公司程。

Wǒmen xūyào zūnshǒu gōngsī zhāngchéng.

We need to comply with the company's regulations.

他正在研究古代印的历史。

Tā zhèngzài yánjiū gǔdài yìnzhāng de lìshǐ.

He is studying the history of ancient seals.