层 (céng) - layer & level

层Tone 2

céng ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 尸

偲嫦

层 · céng

layer;

level;

storey;

floor;

stratum;

classifier for layers or storeys

layerlevelstorey

Usage highlights

layerfloor/storeycloud layerstratumupper levellower level

Synonyms

  • 层次— level; layer; hierarchy
  • 楼层— floor; storey
  • 层面— aspect; level; dimension

Antonyms

  • 单— single; simple (antonym to multi-layered)
  • 平— flat; level (antonym to layered)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The building has five floors (五层楼).
  • Apply another coat of paint (再涂一层油漆).
  • This problem has multiple levels (这个问题有多层含义).
  • Cloud layers obscured the mountain (云层遮住了山).

Collocations

  • layer(层次)
  • floor/storey(楼层)
  • cloud layer(云层)
  • stratum(地层)
  • upper level(上层)
  • lower level(下层)

Idioms

  • Layer upon layer(层层叠叠)
  • One layer after another(层层递进)
  • Break through layer after layer(层层突破)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in architecture to denote floors or storeys in buildings.
  • In geology, refers to strata or layers of rock formation.
  • Metaphorically used to describe levels of meaning or complexity in abstract concepts.

FAQ