Definitions

chēng (verb) to weigh; to name; to call; to praise; to say; to state
chèn (adjective) fitting; suitable; balanced
chèng (noun) steelyard (weighing scale)

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Based on the original meaning "measure weight". The meaning later shifted to "lift", "raise", "praise", "reputation", and "call".

About

The character '称', historically written in its traditional form as '稱', combines the semantic component 禾, meaning grain, with 爯, which suggests lifting or balancing, to originally denote the physical act of weighing agricultural produce. This concrete meaning of measurement gradually extended into more abstract realms of evaluation and judgment, eventually encompassing the verbal actions of naming or calling something by a particular title. The simplified form '称' preserves this conceptual lineage while modifying the graphical structure for practical use, reflecting a continuity in representing both tangible and linguistic acts of designation.

Etymology Hide

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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他为朋友。

Wǒ chēng tā wéi péngyou.

I call him a friend.

赞我聪明。

Tā chēngzàn wǒ cōngming.

She praises me as smart.

一下重量。

Qǐng chēng yīxià zhòngliàng.

Please weigh the weight.

他声自己无罪。

Tā shēngchēng zìjǐ wú zuì.

He claims that he is innocent.

这幅画很对

Zhè fú huà hěn duìchèn.

This painting is very symmetrical.

我对工作很心。

Wǒ duì gōngzuò hěn chènxīn.

I am satisfied with my job.

他获得了冠军号。

Tā huòdé le guànjūn chēnghào.

He obtained the champion title.

这种植物俗太阳花。

Zhè zhǒng zhíwù súchēng tàiyáng huā.

This plant is commonly known as sunflower.