Meaning
朝 is a multi-pronunciation character with distinct meanings. As cháo, it means 'dynasty' or 'imperial court' (like Tang Dynasty 唐朝). As zhāo, it means 'morning' or 'early day' (mostly in literary or compound usage). As a preposition (cháo), it means 'toward' or 'facing a direction.'
Usage
Modern speakers primarily use 朝 (cháo) in historical contexts when discussing dynasties, or as a preposition meaning 'toward' in everyday speech. The zhāo pronunciation for 'morning' is mostly found in set phrases like 朝夕 rather than alone. When indicating direction, 朝 often pairs with verbs of motion.
Examples
- 01明朝是中国历史上重要的朝代。.The Ming Dynasty was an important dynasty in Chinese history.
- 02请朝这个方向走。.Please walk in this direction.
Measure words
- 个一个朝代
Common collocations
- 唐朝Tang Dynasty
- 朝向to face toward
- 朝着toward; in the direction of
- 朝夕morning and evening; day and night
Origin
The character 朝 originally depicted the morning sun rising through grass, representing dawn. This core meaning of 'morning' extended to 'morning court audience' (when officials met the emperor), then to 'dynasty' and 'imperial court' itself.