Definitions

zhèn (verb) to shake; to vibrate
zhèn (verb) to rouse; to invigorate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "振" is structured with the hand radical 扌 alongside the component 辰, which functions primarily as a phonetic indicator while also contributing to its early semantic association with movement or action. Its original meaning centered on physical acts such as shaking or waving, directly informed by the hand radical. Over time, the character's usage expanded beyond literal motion to acquire abstract connotations, including the rousing of spirits, the encouragement of people, and the provision of relief or aid, reflecting a shift from purely physical to both literal and figurative applications of activation.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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 Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

作起来,别灰心。

Zhènzuò qǐlái, bié huīxīn.

Cheer up, don't be discouraged.

手机在口袋里动。

Shǒujī zài kǒudài lǐ zhèndòng.

The phone is vibrating in the pocket.

这个消息奋了所有人。

Zhège xiāoxi zhènfènle suǒyǒu rén.

This news inspired everyone.

政府采取措施兴经济。

Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔ cuòshī zhènxīng jīngjì.

The government took measures to revitalize the economy.

他慷慨激昂的演讲聋发聩。

Tā kāngkǎi jī'áng de yǎnjiǎng zhènlóngfākuì.

His impassioned speech was deafening and enlightening.

我们需要为团队臂一呼。

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幅。

Dìzhènyí kěyǐ língmǐn de jiāncè dìqiào de zhènfú.

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