震

zhèn

辰 + 雨

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

zhèn (verb) to shake; to vibrate; to quake

zhèn (noun) thunder

zhèn (adjective) shocked; startled

Etymology

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

Semantic: 雨 Phonetic: 辰

About

震 is a phono-semantic compound: 雨 (rain) sets the semantic field of weather and natural phenomena, while 辰 (chén) provides the sound. The character originally denoted a thunderstorm, the deafening, shaking clap of thunder amid heavy rain. Over time, its scope widened to encompass any violent shaking, vibration, or shock, making it the standard term for earthquakes (地震). It also captures sudden emotional shocks, as in 震惊 (to astonish) or 震撼 (to shake mentally).

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这座城市地震很少。

Zhè zuò chéngshì dìzhèn hěn shǎo.

Earthquakes are rare in this city.

震动惊醒了睡梦中的孩子。

Zhèndòng jīngxǐngle shuìmèng zhōng de háizi.

The vibration woke up the sleeping child.

爆炸声震撼了整个山谷。

Bàozhà shēng zhènhànle zhěnggè shāngǔ.

The explosion sound shocked the entire valley.

雷声震得窗户嗡嗡响。

Léishēng zhèn dé chuānghu wēngwēng xiǎng.

The thunder made the windows buzz.

地震震级达到了七级。

Dìzhèn zhènjí dádàole qī jí.

The earthquake magnitude reached level seven.

科学家正在研究震源深度。

Kēxuéjiā zhèngzài yánjiū zhènyuán shēndù.

Scientists are studying the depth of the epicenter.

他的言论震怒了全体民众。

Tā de yánlùn zhènnùle quántǐ mínzhòng.

His remarks enraged the entire public.

频繁的地震活动预示着可能的大震。

Pínfán de dìzhèn huódòng yùshìzhe kěnéng de dà zhèn.

Frequent seismic activity indicates a possible major earthquake.

Related Characters

Component: 辰

Component: 雨

震