衬

襯
chèn
寸 + 衤

Definitions

chèn (verb,noun) to line; lining (of garments)
chèn (verb) to contrast with
chèn (verb) to assist financially

Etymology

Simplified form of 襯. Phonosemantic compound. 衤 represents the meaning and 親 represents the sound.

Semantic: 衤 Phonetic: 寸

About

衬, the simplified form of 襯, is a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical 衤 (a variant of 衣 'clothing') indicates its relation to garments. The right side 寸 replaces the traditional phonetic 親, which supplied the sound. Its original meaning is an inner lining or undergarment worn close to the body. From the idea of placing one layer behind another, it extended to the verb sense of contrasting or setting off, making something stand out prominently.

Example Sentences Hide

这件衬衫很漂亮。

Zhè jiàn chènshān hěn piàoliang.

This shirt is very pretty.

他每天穿白衬衫。

Tā měitiān chuān bái chènshān.

He wears a white shirt every day.

新衬衫需要熨烫。

Xīn chènshān xūyào yùntàng.

The new shirt needs ironing.

用对比色衬托主题。

Yòng duìbǐ sè chèntuō zhǔtí.

Use contrasting colors to set off the theme.

夕阳衬得天空很美。

Xīyáng chèn de tiānkōng hěn měi.

The sunset makes the sky look beautiful.

这件外套衬里很柔软。

Zhè jiàn wàitào chènlǐ hěn róuruǎn.

The lining of this coat is very soft.

黑暗衬出光明的温暖。

Hēi'àn chèn chū guāngmíng de wēnnuǎn.

Darkness brings out the warmth of light.

他的谦虚衬出他人的傲慢。

Tā de qiānxū chèn chū tārén de àomàn.

His humility highlights others' arrogance.

Related Characters

Component: 寸

时 对 过 导 射 村 守 付 讨 封 寻 尊 夺 耐

Component: 衤

被 初 补 袖 裕 裤 衫 裸 袍 裙 褐 襟 袜 褂

Example Words

衬托 衬衫 帮衬 映衬 衬衣 陪衬 内衬 相衬 衬裙 衬里 衬裤