層 (céng) - layer & level

層Tone 2

céng ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

偲嫦

層 · céng

layer;

level;

storey;

floor;

measure word for layers, levels, or stories of a building;

to overlap.

layerlevelstorey

Usage highlights

layerlevel/floorstratumcloud layerupper layerlower layer

Synonyms

  • 级— level, rank, grade
  • 重— layer, tier (as in 双重)

Antonyms

  • 单— single, simple (opposite of layered/multiple)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The building has twenty floors (二十层).
  • Apply a thin layer of paint (一层油漆).
  • This issue involves multiple levels (多个层面).
  • The atmosphere is divided into layers (大气层).

Collocations

  • layer(层)
  • level/floor(层)
  • stratum(地层)
  • cloud layer(云层)
  • upper layer(上层)
  • lower layer(下层)

Idioms

  • Layer upon layer, peak after peak(层层叠嶂)
  • Layer upon layer of barriers(层层设障)
  • Advance level by level(层层推进)
  • One after another in succession(层出不穷)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used in traditional Chinese architecture to describe multi-story buildings and pagodas.
  • Appears in Buddhist texts describing multiple levels of existence or consciousness.
  • Reflects hierarchical structures in traditional Chinese society and thought.

FAQ