重
zhòng
The English word heavy is expressed in Chinese as 重 (zhòng). Wiktionary also lists 沉重 (chénzhòng).
Meaning: having great weight (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 重 | zhòng |
| 沉重 | chénzhòng |
重 is used to describe physical weight, but it is also used to describe the intensity of non-physical things such as smog, rain or an illness.
Which one should you use?
While 重 refers to physical weight, the formal term 沉重 is often used for abstract concepts, such as a heavy heart or a heavy responsibility.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using an adjective like 重 to describe a noun, it is more natural in Chinese to use an adverb of degree like 很 (hěn) before it rather than using the adjective alone.
How do you pronounce it?
zhòng
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the pronunciation of 重 (zhòng – heavy) with the word for repeat/again (chóng). Ensure you use the fourth tone to indicate weight.
Did you know?
- The character for 'heavy', 重, was originally a picture of a man carrying a bag on his back. This visual representation of physical burden is still embedded in the character's structure.
- In Chinese, describing someone as 'heavy' (重) can sometimes refer to their personality being overbearing or demanding.
- The formal term 沉重 for abstract heaviness combines the character for 'sink' (沉) with 'heavy' (重).
Examples in context
- 這些箱子重。These boxes are heavy.This sentence is useful for describing the weight of boxes with 重.Tatoeba #5856780 by verdastelo9604, translation #3636285 by CK
- 今天雾霾很重。Smog was very heavy today.This sentence is useful for describing the intensity of smog with 重.Tatoeba #4960574 by murr, translation #2176258 by o_o_l
- 这张桌子很重。This table is heavy.This sentence is useful for describing the weight of a table with 重.Tatoeba #7771871 by jiangche, translation #464216 by lukaszpp
- 这个箱子很重。This box is heavy.
- 她心情很重。She's burdened with heavy emotions.
- 这个任务很沉重。This task is heavy (burdensome).
- 他的离开给我们带来了沉重的打击。His departure brought us a heavy blow.
- 这个行李箱的分量很大。The weight of this suitcase is substantial.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is trying to help a woman move some boxes.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen浩然，这个箱子很重。Hàorán, zhège xiāngzi hěn zhòng.Haoran, this box is very heavy.
- 浩然 Haoran我来帮你搬吧。Wǒ lái bāng nǐ bān ba.Let me help you carry it.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢你，你真好。Xièxiè nǐ, nǐ zhēn hǎo.Thank you, you are so kind.
- 浩然 Haoran别客气，这不算什么。Bié kèqì, zhè bù suàn shénme.You're welcome, it's nothing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heavy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 重, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
