zhāng: 张 - (Surname); To Open; (Measure Word for Flat Objects)

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Summary: The Chinese character 张 (zhāng) is a fundamental and versatile word essential for beginners. It is one of the most common surnames in the world, belonging to tens of millions of people. Beyond its use as a name, 张 serves as a crucial measure word for flat, sheet-like objects such as paper, tables, tickets, and photos. It also functions as a verb meaning “to open” or “to spread,” like opening one's mouth or arms. Understanding these three core uses of 张 is a key step in building a practical Chinese vocabulary.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zhāng

Part of Speech: Surname, Measure Word, Verb

HSK Level: HSK 1

Concise Definition: A common surname; a measure word for flat objects; to open or stretch wide.

In a Nutshell: Think of 张 (zhāng) as a word all about surfaces and spreading out. This single concept connects its main uses. As a verb, it means to stretch something open (like a bow). This leads directly to its use as a measure word for things that are already stretched out and flat, like a sheet of paper (一张纸), a table (一张桌子), or a bed (一张床). And as one of the most widespread surnames in China, you'll encounter it constantly when meeting people.

弓 (gōng): This radical on the left means “bow,” as in a bow and arrow.

长 (cháng): This character on the right means “long.”

The combination of “bow” (弓) and “long” (长) creates a vivid image: drawing or stringing a bow, stretching it to its full length. This original meaning of “to stretch” or “to open” is the foundation for all of its modern uses. When you use it as a measure word for a table, you can picture the table as a flat, “stretched-out” surface.

One of the World's Most Common Surnames: The sheer prevalence of the surname 张 (Zhāng) is culturally significant. It is consistently ranked among the top three most common surnames in mainland China, with a population rivaling that of many European countries. There's a common saying, “三王二张 (sān Wáng èr Zhāng),” meaning “(if you meet five people, there will be) three Wangs and two Zhangs,” to humorously illustrate how common these names are. In Chinese mythology, the supreme deity, the Jade Emperor, has the family name Zhang.

Comparison to Western Surnames: While “Smith” or “Jones” are common in English-speaking countries, the scale is entirely different. In the West, a common surname indicates a historical profession or lineage, but in China, the massive population sharing names like 张 (Zhāng), 王 (Wáng), and 李 (Lǐ) creates a sense of shared, albeit unimaginably vast, clan identity. Addressing someone as “老张 (Lǎo Zhāng)” (Old Zhang) or “小张 (Xiǎo Zhāng)” (Little Zhang) is a common, friendly way to show respect or familiarity in the workplace, reflecting a culture that often organizes social relationships around age and seniority.

量词 (liàngcí): The grammatical term for “measure word” or “classifier.” 张 is one of the first and most important 量词 you will learn.

个 (gè): The general, all-purpose measure word. Understanding when to use 张 instead of 个 is a key skill.

本 (běn): Another crucial measure word, used for bound items like books, magazines, and notebooks. Contrast this with 张 for single sheets.

开 (kāi): Means “to open.” It is frequently paired with 张 to form verbs like 张开 (zhāngkāi - to open wide) and nouns like 开张 (kāizhāng - grand opening).

夸张 (kuāzhāng): A common adjective meaning “exaggerated” or “over-the-top.” It literally means “to boast and stretch.”

弓 (gōng): The “bow” radical. Recognizing this component helps you remember the character's origin and meaning related to stretching.

姓 (xìng): The word for “surname” or “family name.”

名片 (míngpiàn): A business card. You would count them using 张 (e.g., 一张名片 - yī zhāng míngpiàn).