héngxīng: 恒星 - Star (astronomy), Fixed Star

Keywords: hengxing, 恒星, Chinese for star, fixed star in Chinese, astronomy in Chinese, star vs planet in Chinese, 太阳, 宇宙, 行星, celestial bodies in Chinese

Summary: Learn the Chinese word for an astronomical star, 恒星 (héngxīng). This term literally means “constant star” or “fixed star,” and it's the specific, scientific word used to distinguish stars like our Sun from planets (行星, xíngxīng), which “wander.” This page breaks down the characters 恒 (constant) and 星 (star), explores its cultural significance in Chinese astronomy, and provides numerous practical examples for how to use 恒星 in modern conversation about science, the universe, and even metaphors.

Pinyin (with tone marks): héngxīng

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 6

Concise Definition: An astronomical body that generates its own light and heat through nuclear fusion, such as the Sun.

In a Nutshell: 恒星 (héngxīng) is the precise, scientific term for a “star.” The key concept is permanence, captured by the character 恒 (héng), meaning “constant” or “permanent.” This comes from the ancient observation that stars remain in fixed positions relative to one another in the night sky, unlike planets, which appear to wander. While the word 星星 (xīngxing) is a more general and common term for any bright dot in the sky, 恒星 is used when you need to be scientifically accurate.

恒 (héng): This character means “constant,” “permanent,” or “persevering.” It signifies something that is stable, unchanging, and lasts for a long time.

星 (xīng): This character means “star.” It's a pictograph combining the sun (日) and life/birth (生), suggesting an object that is “born” to produce its own light.

The Combination: Together, 恒星 (héngxīng) literally translates to “constant star.” This name beautifully captures the essence of how ancient astronomers distinguished stars from planets—the stars formed a fixed, predictable map in the heavens, while planets moved against this backdrop.

In Chinese culture, astronomy and astrology have been deeply intertwined for millennia. The concept of 恒星 (héngxīng) as “fixed stars” was fundamental to creating the calendar, navigating, and practicing cosmology. The stability of the heavens was seen as a reflection of the stability of the empire on Earth, with the Emperor, the “Son of Heaven” (天子), as the link between the two realms. A well-ordered sky with predictable 恒星 patterns signified a healthy and harmonious state.

Comparison to Western Concepts: This is remarkably similar to the classical Western distinction. The word “planet” comes from the ancient Greek word *planētēs*, meaning “wanderer.” Both Eastern and Western civilizations independently observed the same phenomenon and created names to distinguish the “fixed stars” from the “wandering stars.” The cultural emphasis in China, however, was less on individual gods associated with planets (like Mars or Venus) and more on the holistic, harmonious system of the cosmos and its relationship to imperial power and societal order.

Scientific and Educational Context: This is the primary usage of 恒星. It's the standard term in textbooks, documentaries, news articles, and any discussion about astronomy or physics.

Metaphorical Usage: While less common in everyday speech, 恒星 can be used metaphorically in writing and more formal contexts to describe something or someone that is a timeless, guiding, and constant presence. For example, a classic piece of literature could be called a 恒星 in the world of books, or a foundational leader in a company might be described as the organization's 恒星.

Formality: It is a neutral to formal term. In a casual conversation while stargazing, you are more likely to hear someone use the general term 星星 (xīngxing). However, if the conversation turns to what those lights actually are, 恒星 would be used to provide a specific explanation.

行星 (xíngxīng) - Planet. The literal meaning is “wandering star,” the direct opposite of a 恒星.

卫星 (wèixīng) - Satellite (natural or artificial). Literally a “guarding star,” as it orbits or “guards” a planet.

星星 (xīngxing) - The general, colloquial term for “star.” Less precise than 恒星.

太阳 (tàiyáng) - The Sun. The most famous example of a 恒星.

星系 (xīngxì) - Galaxy. A system of billions of 恒星.

宇宙 (yǔzhòu) - Universe. The entirety of space and time, containing all galaxies and 恒星.

流星 (liúxīng) - Meteor or “shooting star.” Literally a “flowing star.”

星座 (xīngzuò) - Constellation. A pattern of 恒星 in the night sky.

天文学 (tiānwénxué) - Astronomy. The scientific study of celestial objects, including 恒星.

永恒 (yǒnghéng) - Eternal, everlasting. This word shares the character 恒 (héng), reinforcing the idea of permanence.