总

總

zǒng

心 + 𠮦

HSK 3.0Level 3

Frequency#228

Definitions

zǒng (adverb) always; in every case

zǒng (adjective) total; overall; general

zǒng (noun) chief; head

zǒng (verb) to gather; to assemble

Etymology

Simplified form of 總. Phonosemantic compound. 糹 represents the meaning and 悤 represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "bind together", since thread (糹) is used to put things together.

About

The character "总" derives from its traditional form "總", which combines the silk radical "糸" with the phonetic component "悤", the latter associated with haste or thought. Originally signifying the act of binding or gathering silk threads, its meaning extended to denote comprehensiveness and totality, such as in summarizing or overall management. This semantic expansion led to additional meanings including "always" and being in charge, reflecting a shift from concrete actions to abstract functions. The simplified form "总" reconstructs the character with the components "丷", "口", and "心", altering its graphical representation while preserving its core semantic range.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我总是早起。

Wǒ zǒngshì zǎo qǐ.

I always wake up early.

他总是不说话。

Tā zǒngshì bù shuōhuà.

He never talks.

我们总共十个人。

Wǒmen zǒnggòng shí gè rén.

There are ten of us in total.

请总结你的观点。

Qǐng zǒngjié nǐ de guāndiǎn.

Please summarize your point.

总之，我觉得很好。

Zǒngzhī, wǒ juédé hěn hǎo.

In short, I think it's very good.

总经理召开了会议。

Zǒngjīnglǐ zhàokāile huìyì.

The general manager called a meeting.

总体来看，计划成功。

Zǒngtǐ lái kàn, jìhuà chénggōng.

Overall, the plan is successful.

他总算完成了任务。

Tā zǒngsuàn wánchéngle rènwù.

He finally completed the task.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 心

总