Definitions

chēn (noun) precious stone; gem

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "琛" is structured with the jade radical "王" combined with the phonetic component "罙", a formation that inherently conveys its original meaning of precious jade or treasure, particularly in reference to valuable tributes from distant lands as documented in classical literature. Etymologically, this composition aligns with its early usage denoting rare and esteemed objects, while over time its semantic scope has narrowed to a more specialized literary and onomastic application, though without departing from its core association with wealth and preciousness. The enduring link between its form and meaning reflects a consistent conceptual alignment, with the jade radical perpetually signaling value and the phonetic element contributing to its auditory identity despite shifts in pronunciation across eras.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是我的好朋友。

Chēn shì wǒ de hǎo péngyǒu.

Chen is my good friend.

今天来上班。

Wáng Chēn jīntiān lái shàngbān.

Wang Chen came to work today.

我听说过的故事。

Wǒ tīng shuō guò Chēn de gùshì.

I have heard of Chen's story.

的才华让人钦佩。

Chēn de cáihuá ràng rén qīnpèi.

Chen's talent is admirable.

这件礼物像一样珍贵。

Zhè jiàn lǐwù xiàng chēn yīyàng zhēnguì.

This gift is as precious as treasure.

这座城市藏着无数的宝。

Zhè zuò chéngshì cáng zhe wúshù de chēnbǎo.

This city hides countless treasures.

探险队希望找到传说中的

Tànxiǎnduì xīwàng zhǎodào chuánshuō zhōng de chēn.

The expedition team hopes to find the legendary treasure.

在古籍中,常被用来比喻极珍贵的事物。

Zài gǔjí zhōng, chēn cháng bèi yòng lái bǐyù jí zhēnguì de shìwù.

In ancient books, "chen" is often used to metaphorically refer to extremely precious things.