This is the 144th most frequent Chinese word.


"张" means "to open, spread, or stretch" and is also a measure word for flat objects (e.g., paper, tables).


Here, '张' is used as a measure word for flat objects such as paper, indicating one piece of paper.

我在桌上放了一张纸。

I placed a piece of paper on the table.


In this usage, '张' is part of a proper noun and functions as a surname.

张老师今天给我们上了一堂有趣的课。

Teacher Zhang gave us an interesting class today.


In this sentence, '张' is part of the verb '张开', meaning 'to open', often used for objects like mouths or hands.

他紧张地张开了嘴,却说不出一个字。

He nervously opened his mouth but couldn't speak a word.