Definitions

shèn (adjective) careful; cautious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "慎", traditionally composed of the heart radical "忄" and the component "真" meaning true, derives from an etymological connection between genuine inner sentiment and circumspect behavior. Its structure positions "真" as a phonetic element that also semantically contributes the notion of authenticity, suggesting prudence arises from a sincere heart. Over time, the meaning of "慎" shifted from encompassing heartfelt attention to more specifically denoting caution and carefulness in action and decision-making.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他做事很谨

Ta zuò shì hěn jǐn shèn.

He is very cautious in doing things.

我们应当重考虑。

Wǒ men yīng dāng shèn zhòng kǎo lǜ.

We should consider it prudently.

在公共场合要言。

Zài gōng gòng chǎng hé yào shèn yán.

One should be cautious in speech in public places.

投资需要谨决策。

Tóu zī xū yào jǐn shèn jué cè.

Investment requires cautious decision-making.

她谨地选择了答案。

Tā jǐn shèn de xuǎn zé le dá àn.

She cautiously selected the answer.

处理这个问题必须重。

Chǔ lǐ zhè ge wèn tí bì xū shèn zhòng.

Handling this problem must be done prudently.

独是修养的重要方面。

Shèn dú shì xiū yǎng de zhòng yào fāng miàn.

Being cautious when alone is an important aspect of self-cultivation.

在签署合同前务必谨审查。

Zài qiān shǔ hé tóng qián wù bì jǐn shèn shěn chá.

Before signing the contract, be sure to review it cautiously.