称

• Pinyin: chēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 称 = simplified from 稱; 禾 (grain) + 尔 (phonetic component in simplified form)

Meaning

To call; to address; to refer to as. Also means to weigh something on a scale.

As 'to call or address,' it describes how someone or something is referred to. As 'to weigh,' it refers to measuring weight. The calling and naming sense is more common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 大家都称他为老王。 Everyone calls him Old Wang.
2. 这种鱼在南方被称为鲈鱼。 This kind of fish is called sea bass in the south.
3. 请帮我称一下这些苹果有多重。 Please help me weigh how heavy these apples are.

Usage Guide

Context: naming, introductions, market

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们都称她为李老师。(We all call her Teacher Li.)
• 请帮我称一斤苹果。(Please weigh out a jin of apples for me.)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆称 (chēng, to call) 和称 (chèn, to match/suit) — 称心如意 uses the chèn pronunciation, not chēng.

Origin & History

Originally written 稱, from 禾 (grain) and 爯 (phonetic). The original meaning was to weigh grain, later extended to naming and addressing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal