Meaning and Usage
The character 宗 (zōng) primarily refers to ancestry, clan, family lineage, or sect. It is often used to denote a group sharing a common origin or belief system, such as a family clan (宗族), a religious sect (宗教), or a philosophical school (宗派).
Common Collocations
- 宗族 (zōngzú): clan or extended family, emphasizing bloodline and heritage.
- 宗教 (zōngjiào): religion or religious faith, highlighting belief systems.
- 宗派 (zōngpài): sect or denomination within a larger religious or philosophical tradition.
Usage Notes
When using 宗, speakers often imply a sense of tradition, heritage, or shared identity. It is a formal term and appears frequently in historical, religious, or cultural contexts. Avoid confusing 宗 with 宗旨 (purpose) or 宗教 (religion) when the context is not about lineage or sects.
Register and Tone
The word is neutral to formal and is common in written language, academic discussions, and formal speech about family history, religion, or philosophy.