zheng

Zheng is a romanization that can refer to several Chinese terms. It most commonly corresponds to the surname 郑 (simplified) / 鄭 (traditional). It also names the traditional plucked string instrument zheng (筝/箏), and the historical State of Zheng (郑国/鄭國).

As a surname, Zheng is among the common Chinese surnames. It originated from the Zhou dynasty's State of Zheng, and bearers later adopted the name as a family surname. The surname is widespread in mainland China and Taiwan. Notable individuals include the 15th-century Ming admiral Zheng He.

The zheng is a long, horizontal Chinese zither with a broad soundboard and many strings, commonly 21 or more. The strings pass over movable bridges and are plucked with the fingers, often using finger picks. It is used in traditional Chinese music and in modern fusion genres; the guzheng is a closely related instrument with a similar design and broader contemporary use.

Historically, the State of Zheng (郑国/鄭國) existed during the Spring and Autumn period in central China, with territory roughly in what is now Henan Province. The name Zheng also persists in place names and as a common surname.