To match, correspond, or be equal in value or time.
To serve as, act as, or treat as; also "ought to" or "just at" in time. Simplified from 當: a small hand (彐) setting things under a roof (小) at the right moment.
当
Common Usage & Traps
- 当然 — of course; naturally
- 当心 — to be careful; to watch out
- 当时 — at that time; then
- 当老师 — to work as a teacher
- 上当 — to be fooled; to be taken in
- 当作 — to treat as; to regard as
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当医生工作当医生 / 做医生工作当 already means 'to serve as', so adding 工作 is redundant and unnatural.
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当然我我当然……当然 is an helper word and should come after the subject, not before it.
How do you avoid mixing up 当 (dāng) and 上 (shàng) in everyday phrases?
当 means 'serve as' or 'at the time of', while 上 means 'up' or 'on'.
Both characters appear in common HSK 3 words, but they are not interchangeable. 当 focuses on a role, time, or condition (当老师, 当时, 当然). 上 focuses on position, direction, or starting an action (上课, 上班, 早上). If you remember the core image of 当 as 'facing a role or moment', you will not confuse it with 上.
| Dimension | 当 (dāng) | 上 (shàng) |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | serve as; at the time of | up; on; to start |
| Example word | 当老师 (work as a teacher) | 上课 (attend class) |
| Common mistake | 说 上当老师 to mean 'be a teacher' | 说 当课 to mean 'attend class' |
When should 当 be read dāng and when dàng?
Read dāng for 'serve as' or 'at the time of'; read dàng for 'treat as' or 'be fooled'.
The two readings split by meaning. dāng appears in 当然, 当心, 当时, 当老师. dàng appears in 上当 (be fooled) and 当作 (treat as). A simple rule: if the meaning involves a role, time, or condition, use dāng; if it involves treating something as something else or being tricked, use dàng.
| Dimension | dāng | dàng |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | serve as; at the time of | treat as; be fooled |
| Example | 当老师 (be a teacher) | 当作 (treat as) |
| Another example | 当时 (at that time) | 上当 (be fooled) |
Appears in Stories 4 stories
Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.
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误会一：方便面有毒很多人 想当然 认为，方便面保质期很长，不会坏，原因一定是因为里面“有东西”，有毒！
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而 当 人们用开水泡面的时候，如果不另外加盐，还会觉得淡。
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当然 ，就算是没有误会，方便面也不好多吃。
Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.
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后来，他的家族遇到了困难，他才决定出来 当官 。
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当年 乔布斯被踢出苹果公司，十年后，他又重回苹果，这件事也可以说“乔布斯东山再起了。”
This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.
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B： 当然 不是吃的苹果，是苹果手机！
Ever wondered where old Beijing's tea-drinking culture has gone? Follow a visitor discovering why locals now avoid famous tea houses—and practice expressing surprise and comparisons in Chinese along the way.
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看着这，老北京们心里 当然 不舒服。
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