章

• Pinyin: zhāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 章 = 立 (stand) + 早 (early), originally a pictograph of a decorated mark or pattern

Meaning

A measure word for chapters, sections, or articles; also refers to a seal or stamp.

As a measure word, used to count chapters in books, sections in documents, or articles in laws. As a noun, refers to official seals or stamps used for authentication. Can also mean a badge or emblem in certain contexts.

Examples

1. 这本小说一共有二十章，我已经读到第十五章了。 This novel has twenty chapters in total, and I've already read up to chapter fifteen.
2. 合同的第三章详细规定了双方的权利和义务。 Chapter three of the contract specifies the rights and obligations of both parties in detail.
3. 请在这份文件上盖章确认。 Please stamp this document to confirm.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, documents, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请翻到第五章。(Please turn to chapter five.)
• 这份合同需要加盖公章。(This contract needs to be stamped with the official seal.)

Don't Say

• 我买了三章书。(Wrong measure word — use 本 for books; 章 is for chapters within a book)

Origin & History

An ancient character originally depicting a tattoo or mark used for identification. Later extended to mean written sections and official stamps.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal