adjective / adverb / verb HSK 2
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heavy · weight · serious · to repeat · again · layer
Meaning
重 is a versatile character with two main pronunciations. As 'zhòng', it means heavy, weighty, or serious/important. As 'chóng', it means to repeat, again, or indicates layers/duplications. The character originally depicted something being weighed or piled up.
Usage
When pronounced 'zhòng', it typically describes physical weight (这个很重) or importance (重要). When pronounced 'chóng', it appears in words about repetition like 重复 (repeat) or 重新 (anew). Native speakers instantly know which pronunciation based on context and the compound word.
Examples
- 01这个箱子太重了，我搬不动。, .This suitcase is too heavy, I can't move it.
- 02请你重新说一遍。.Please say it again.
Common collocations
- 很重very heavy
- 重量weight
- 严重serious, severe
- 重点key point, emphasis
Antonyms
Origin
The character shows a person (人) standing on earth (土) with a heavy load, representing the concept of weight and heaviness. The meaning of 'repetition' developed as an extended sense of layers piling up.