慎

昚

shèn

忄 + 真

Definitions

shèn (adjective) careful; cautious

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 真 represents the sound. Simplified form of 昚.

Semantic: 忄 Phonetic: 真

About

慎 (shèn) is a phonosemantic compound and the simplified form of 昚. The semantic radical 忄 (a form of 心 'heart') on the left categorizes it as relating to mental attitudes and inner disposition. The phonetic component 真 (zhēn) means 'true' or 'genuine' in isolation; in this character it supplies the sound while also suggesting earnestness and mental clarity. The character's meaning centers on caution, prudence, and carefulness in thought and action. It depicts a meticulous and vigilant state of mind that seeks to avoid errors and offense, emphasizing a deliberate and circumspect approach to situations.

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

他做事很谨慎。

Ta zuò shì hěn jǐn shèn.

He is very cautious in doing things.

我们应当慎重考虑。

Wǒ men yīng dāng shèn zhòng kǎo lǜ.

We should consider it prudently.

在公共场合要慎言。

Zài gōng gòng chǎng hé yào shèn yán.

One should be cautious in speech in public places.

投资需要谨慎决策。

Tóu zī xū yào jǐn shèn jué cè.

Investment requires cautious decision-making.

她谨慎地选择了答案。

Tā jǐn shèn de xuǎn zé le dá àn.

She cautiously selected the answer.

处理这个问题必须慎重。

Chǔ lǐ zhè ge wèn tí bì xū shèn zhòng.

Handling this problem must be done prudently.

慎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慎审查。

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

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

Related Characters

Component: 忄

Component: 真

Example Words