振

zhèn

扌 + 辰

Definitions

zhèn (verb) to shake; to vibrate

zhèn (verb) to rouse; to invigorate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 辰 represents the sound.

Semantic: 扌 Phonetic: 辰

About

振 is a phono-semantic compound: the left component 扌 (hand) indicates an action performed with the hands or through physical exertion, while the right component 辰 (chén) gives the sound. 辰 is the fifth earthly branch, but here it functions only as a phonetic. The character means to shake, vibrate, or rouse physically, and extends metaphorically to awakening, stimulating, or invigorating, like boosting morale, revitalizing an economy, or shaking off lethargy.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

振作起来，别灰心。

Zhènzuò qǐlái, bié huīxīn.

Cheer up, don't be discouraged.

手机在口袋里振动。

Shǒujī zài kǒudài lǐ zhèndòng.

The phone is vibrating in the pocket.

这个消息振奋了所有人。

Zhège xiāoxi zhènfènle suǒyǒu rén.

This news inspired everyone.

政府采取措施振兴经济。

Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔ cuòshī zhènxīng jīngjì.

The government took measures to revitalize the economy.

他慷慨激昂的演讲振聋发聩。

Tā kāngkǎi jī'áng de yǎnjiǎng zhènlóngfākuì.

His impassioned speech was deafening and enlightening.

我们需要为团队振臂一呼。

Wǒmen xūyào wèi tuánduì zhènbìyīhū.

We need to raise a rallying cry for the team.

物理老师正在讲解振动的原理。

Wùlǐ lǎoshī zhèngzài jiǎngjiě zhèndòng de yuánlǐ.

The physics teacher is explaining the principle of vibration.

地震仪可以灵敏地监测地壳的振幅。

Dìzhènyí kěyǐ língmǐn de jiāncè dìqiào de zhènfú.

Seismometers can sensitively monitor the amplitude of the earth's crust.

Related Characters

Component: 扌

Component: 辰

振