衡 (héng) - Balance, measure, weigh & to consider, judge

衡Tone 2

héng ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

衡 · héng

Balance, measure, weigh;

to consider, judge;

also refers to the Big Dipper constellation and Mount Heng (one of the Five Sacred Mountains).

Balance, measure, weighto consider, judgealso refers to the Big Dipper constellation and

Usage highlights

BalanceTo weigh, considerEquilibriumScale, weighing instrumentMount HengCriterion, standard

Synonyms

  • 平— level, even
  • 均— equal, uniform
  • 权— to weigh, power (in the sense of balancing)

Antonyms

  • 偏— biased, partial
  • 斜— inclined, slanted

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need to balance work and life (平衡 work and life).
  • The judge must weigh the evidence impartially (衡量 evidence).
  • The Big Dipper is called the Northern Dipper (北斗) in Chinese astronomy.
  • Mount Heng is one of China's Five Sacred Mountains (衡山).

Collocations

  • Balance(平衡)
  • To weigh, consider(衡量)
  • Equilibrium(均衡)
  • Scale, weighing instrument(衡器)
  • Mount Heng(衡山)
  • Criterion, standard(衡准)

Idioms

  • Maintain a balance of power(权衡利弊)
  • Measure with the same standard(以衡量之)
  • Hold the scales even(持衡拥璇)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 衡山 (Mount Heng) is the Southern Sacred Mountain of China's Five Great Mountains, associated with longevity and Daoist practices.
  • The character embodies the concept of balance and measurement, a key principle in Chinese philosophy and statecraft.
  • Historically used in official titles related to law and standards, e.g., 衡官 (official in charge of weights and measures).

FAQ