征

• Pinyin: zhēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 征 = 彳 (step/movement) + 正 (upright) — moving forward on righteous/official mission

Meaning

To levy; to conscript; to collect by official authority. Also means to seek or solicit from the public.

A formal verb with governmental or institutional connotations. Common compounds: 征税 (levy taxes), 征兵 (conscript soldiers), 征稿 (solicit manuscripts), 征求 (seek opinions).

Examples

1. 古代帝王常年征兵，给百姓带来沉重负担。 In ancient times, emperors conscripted soldiers year after year, placing a heavy burden on ordinary people.
2. 政府依法征收土地用于公共基础设施建设。 The government legally requisitioned land for public infrastructure construction.
3. 杂志社正在公开征集优秀摄影作品参展。 The magazine is publicly soliciting outstanding photography submissions for an exhibition.

Usage Guide

Context: government, military, institutional

Tone: official

Do Say

• 国家依照法律规定征收个人所得税。(The state levies personal income tax in accordance with legal provisions.)
• 学校正在征集校庆活动的创意方案。(The school is soliciting creative proposals for the anniversary celebration.)

Don't Say

• 我征你的意见 — incorrect usage; use 征求你的意见 (seek your opinion) with the full compound

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 彳 (movement radical) + 正 (upright/correct) — marching forth on official duty

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal