Character Familiesleft / right

称chēng, chèn, chèng

to weigh (称量); to call; to name (称呼, 自称); to praise (称赞); to state (声称)

称 chēng weighs and names; chèn fits just right; chèng is the old scale.

GF0025–2021 character list · 二级
One character pageAll readings and linked senses stay together.

left / right

The header says the formation was originally 形声; the traditional 稱 used 爯 (a steelyard lift) on the right, reduced in the simplified form — no sound rule is taught.

left / right · 称

WHOLE CHARACTER

称chēng, chèn, chèng

to weigh (称量); to call; to name (称呼, 自称); to praise (称赞); to state (声称)

称 chēng weighs and names; chèn fits just right; chèng is the old scale.

The header says the formation was originally 形声; the traditional 稱 used 爯 (a steelyard lift) on the right, reduced in the simplified form — no sound rule is taught.

MEANING: GRAIN

禾hé

standing grain

Standalone meaning is kept separate from its role in other characters.

In 称: meaning: grain The grain radical; the older 稱 weighed grain.

RIGHT PIECE AFTER REDUCTION (尔)

尔ěr

you; thus (literary)

A literary standalone; kept separate from its sound role in 你.

In 称: right piece after reduction (尔) A reduced piece; not the old sound piece 爯.

chēngTone 1
  • to weigh (称量)
  • to call; to name (称呼, 自称)
  • to praise (称赞)
  • to state (声称)
  • 称呼chēnghuto call; a form of address
  • 称赞chēngzànto praise; to compliment
chènTone 4
  • to fit; to suit (称心, 称职)
  • 对称duìchènsymmetry; symmetrical
chèngTone 4dictionary: same as 秤
  • same as 秤 (steelyard)

No common modern word is offered for this reading; the dictionary sense remains in Sources.

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