Definitions

cān (verb) to participate; to join; to attend
cān (verb) to counsel; to advise
shēn (noun) ginseng

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts three () stars () shining (). Originally represented the Three Stars constellation () in Chinese astronomy. The more common meaning "take part in" is a phonetic loan.

Phonetic:

About

The character "参" traces its origins to an early representation of three stars, crystallized in the traditional form "參" with a structure suggesting a gathered constellation, often linked to Orion. This astronomical basis initially conveyed ideas of plurality and alignment, but its meaning gradually extended to denote active involvement, as in joining or participating, while phonetic adaptation led to its use for the medicinal plant ginseng. Over time, the character's form was condensed through natural orthographic processes into the simpler "参", maintaining key structural elements. Its semantic scope continued to diversify, incorporating notions of consultation, reference, and comparison, reflecting a dynamic expansion from concrete imagery to abstract relational concepts.

Example Sentences Hide

加足球赛。

Wǒ cānjiā zúqiúsài.

I participate in a football match.

这本书考价值高。

Zhè běn shū cānkǎo jiàzhí gāo.

This book has high reference value.

考以下说明。

Qǐng cānkǎo yǐxià shuōmíng.

Please refer to the following instructions.

数设置很重要。

Cānshù shèzhì hěn zhòngyào.

Parameter settings are very important.

是一种珍贵药材。

Rénshēn shì yī zhǒng zhēnguì yàocái.

Ginseng is a precious medicinal herb.

我们观博物馆。

Wǒmen cānguān bówùguǎn.

We visit the museum.

他积极与社区活动。

Tā jījí cānyù shèqū huódòng.

He actively participates in community activities.

这项研究考了多项数。

Zhè xiàng yánjiū cānkǎo le duō xiàng cānshù.

This research referred to multiple parameters.