Chinese Character: 挣 (zhèng/zhēng - Struggle/Earn)
1. Character Basics (基本信息)
Radical: 扌 (Hand radical)
Stroke Count: 9
Stroke Order:
Character Decomposition: 扌 + 争 (Hand + Struggle, indicating using hands to struggle or earn)
2. Pronunciation (发音)
Pinyin: zhèng (when meaning "earn"), zhēng (when meaning "struggle") (The tone can change the meaning.)
3. Meaning (含义)
When pronounced as "zhēng", it means to struggle, strive, or contend. When pronounced as "zhèng", it means to earn, make money. (发音为 zhēng 时，表示挣扎、争取；发音为 zhèng 时，表示挣钱、赚取。)
4. Common Words (常用词汇)
- 挣扎 (zhēng zhá) - Struggle
- 挣钱 (zhèng qián) - Earn money
- 争夺 (zhēng duó) - Contend for
5. Grammar & Usage (语法与用法)
“挣” can be used as a verb. When used with "zhēng", it often collocates with words like "挣扎" to describe a state of struggle. When used with "zhèng", it usually collocates with "钱" to express the action of earning money. “挣” 可作动词。读 zhēng 时，常与 “挣扎” 等词搭配，表示挣扎的状态；读 zhèng 时，常与 “钱” 搭配，表示挣钱的动作。
6. Cultural Background (文化背景)
The character reflects the Chinese values of hard - work and the spirit of striving. People are encouraged to struggle for their goals and earn a living through hard work. 这个汉字体现了中国人勤劳努力、奋斗进取的价值观，鼓励人们为目标而奋斗，通过努力工作来谋生。
7. Example Sentence (例句)
他在困境中挣扎着。(Tā zài kùnjìng zhōng zhēng zhá zhe.) - He is struggling in the difficult situation.
他每天努力工作挣钱养家。(Tā měi tiān nǔ lì gōng zuò zhèng qián yǎng jiā.) - He works hard every day to earn money to support his family.
8. Memory Tips (记忆技巧)
Think of the "扌" radical as hands. When you want to struggle or earn something, you usually use your hands. Also, associate the different pronunciations with their corresponding meanings. For "zhēng", think of the action of struggling physically or mentally, and for "zhèng", think of the result of earning money. 可以把 “扌” 旁想象成手，因为无论是挣扎还是挣钱，通常都需要用到手。同时，将不同的发音和对应的含义联系起来。读 zhēng 时，联想身体或精神上的挣扎动作；读 zhèng 时，联想挣钱的结果。