徴 (zhēng) - Sign, evidence, proof & to summon, to conscript

徴Tone 1

zhēng ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

徴 · zhēng

Sign, evidence, proof;

to summon, to conscript;

to levy taxes;

to seek, to inquire;

one of the ancient Chinese musical notes.

Sign, evidence, proofto summon, to conscriptto levy taxes

Usage highlights

EvidenceLevy taxesSummonsMusical note zhiCharacteristicSymbol

Synonyms

  • 証— evidence, proof
  • 召— summon, call
  • 徴— seek, inquire

Antonyms

  • 隠— conceal, hide
  • 免— exempt, avoid

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The police found evidence (徴証) at the crime scene.
  • The government will levy taxes (徴税) on imported goods.
  • Ancient Chinese music used the note zhi (徴音) in its pentatonic scale.
  • The emperor issued a summons (徴召) for talented scholars.

Collocations

  • Evidence(徴証)
  • Levy taxes(徴税)
  • Summons(徴召)
  • Musical note zhi(徴音)
  • Characteristic(特徴)
  • Symbol(象徴)

Idioms

  • Seeking advice and inquiring about customs(徴風問俗)
  • Seeking the virtuous and inquiring about the capable(徴賢問能)
  • Requesting contributions from all sides(広徴博引)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • One of the five notes in traditional Chinese pentatonic scale, corresponding to the fire element in Wu Xing theory.
  • Used in imperial contexts for summoning officials or conscripting troops throughout Chinese history.
  • The character appears in both administrative and musical contexts, reflecting its dual cultural significance.

FAQ