Definitions

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

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "衬" is the simplified form of the traditional character "襯", which is semantically and structurally based on the clothing radical "衤" combined with the phonetic and semantic component "親" (qīn), suggesting closeness or proximity. Its core meaning historically pertained to an inner garment or a lining worn close to the body, directly deriving from this composition. Over time, the meaning extended from this concrete noun to function as a verb, encompassing notions of setting something off, providing a background, or creating contrast, much as a lining supports and enhances a garment. The simplified form "衬" replaced the complex component "親" with the simpler "寸", retaining the clothing radical to indicate the character’s general category while altering its phonetic element.

Example Sentences Hide

这件衫很漂亮。

Zhè jiàn chènshān hěn piàoliang.

This shirt is very pretty.

他每天穿白衫。

Tā měitiān chuān bái chènshān.

He wears a white shirt every day.

衫需要熨烫。

Xīn chènshān xūyào yùntàng.

The new shirt needs ironing.

用对比色托主题。

Yòng duìbǐ sè chèntuō zhǔtí.

Use contrasting colors to set off the theme.

夕阳得天空很美。

Xīyáng chèn de tiānkōng hěn měi.

The sunset makes the sky look beautiful.

这件外套里很柔软。

Zhè jiàn wàitào chènlǐ hěn róuruǎn.

The lining of this coat is very soft.

黑暗出光明的温暖。

Hēi'àn chèn chū guāngmíng de wēnnuǎn.

Darkness brings out the warmth of light.

他的谦虚出他人的傲慢。

Tā de qiānxū chèn chū tārén de àomàn.

His humility highlights others' arrogance.