沉重 chénzhòng heavy
heavy; hard; serious; critical
How to remember 沉重: 沉 to sink + 重 heavy = heavy.
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How it is used
- Heavy/weighty, literally and emotionally - 沉重的负担 (chénzhòng de fùdān) a heavy burden, 心情沉重 (xīnqíng chénzhòng) a heavy heart.
- Often figurative for a serious, oppressive weight (grief, responsibility, blows); more emotional than plain 重 (zhòng).
- Contrast 重 (zhòng, heavy in weight); 沉重 adds a grave, burdened tone.