Definitions

zēng (verb) to increase; to add
zēng (verb) to expand

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "增" exemplifies a semantic-phonetic construction, integrating the radical "土" representing earth with the component "曾" which primarily offers phonetic value while implicitly evoking ideas of layering or repetition. Its etymological roots lie in the concrete action of augmenting earthen structures, such as raising embankments or walls through the addition of soil, a meaning that directly informed its early usage. Over time, this specific sense broadened significantly to encompass abstract and general forms of increase, including the enhancement of quantities, qualities, or degrees, thereby extending its application far beyond physical dimensions. The traditional form of the character preserves this composition, with the "土" radical continuously anchoring its original semantic domain related to accumulation, while the phonetic element "曾" maintains its link to a lexical family associated with amplification or reiterated actions.

Etymology Hide

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 Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我们加了产量。

Wǒmen zēngjiā le chǎnliàng.

We increased production.

人口长很快。

Rénkǒu zēngzhǎng hěn kuài.

The population growth is fast.

锻炼可以强体质。

Duànliàn kěyǐ zēngqiáng tǐzhì.

Exercise can strengthen physical fitness.

学习能进知识。

Xuéxí néng zēngjìn zhīshi.

Learning can enhance knowledge.

房地产价值值了。

Fángdìchǎn jiàzhí zēngzhí le.

The real estate value has appreciated.

今年利润幅很大。

Jīnnián lìrùn zēngfú hěn dà.

This year's profit growth rate is very high.

军队需要援部队。

Jūnduì xūyào zēngyuán bùduì.

The army needs reinforcing troops.

通过技术创新来加市场份额是公司的战略。

Tōngguò jìshù chuàngxīn lái zēngjiā shìchǎng fèn'é shì gōngsī de zhànlüè.

Increasing market share through technological innovation is the company's strategy.