征 (zhēng) - To levy & to conscript

征Tone 1

zhēng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 彳

丈志

征 · zhēng

To levy;

to conscript;

to requisition;

to journey;

to go on an expedition;

to campaign;

to conquer;

to solicit;

to seek.

To levyto conscriptto requisition

Usage highlights

Levy taxesMilitary conscriptionJourney/expeditionNorthern ExpeditionSolicit opinionsConquer the north

Synonyms

  • 讨— to send armed forces to suppress; to denounce
  • 伐— to attack; to campaign against
  • 召— to summon; to call

Antonyms

  • 撤— to withdraw; to retreat
  • 免— to exempt; to avoid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The government collects taxes (征税).
  • He was conscripted into the army (征兵).
  • They embarked on a long journey (征途).
  • The general led the northern expedition (北伐).
  • We are seeking opinions (征求意见).

Collocations

  • Levy taxes(征税)
  • Military conscription(征兵)
  • Journey/expedition(征途)
  • Northern Expedition(北伐)
  • Solicit opinions(征求意见)
  • Conquer the north(征北)

Idioms

  • To go on a punitive expedition(南征北战)
  • To fight north and south, conquering everywhere(南征北伐)
  • To enlist and gather troops(征召)
  • Long march and distant campaign(长征远战)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with military campaigns and imperial expansion in Chinese history.
  • The character embodies concepts of duty, service, and national mobilization.
  • In modern context, often used in economic terms like taxation and public consultation.

FAQ