Definitions

shěn (verb) to examine; to investigate
shěn (verb) to try (in court)
shěn (adjective) careful; thorough

Etymology

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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character '审', originating from the traditional form '審', incorporates the elements '宀' for roof, '釆' indicating discrimination, and '田' for field, a structure that initially symbolized the act of discerning details within a sheltered environment. This composition gave rise to its early use in contexts requiring careful examination and deliberation, such as judicial or administrative review. As the character's application expanded, its meaning evolved to include broader senses of investigation, scrutiny, and formal judgment, reflecting a consistent theme of thorough analysis. The contemporary simplified version '审' continues to carry these connotations, representing a streamlined graphic form that upholds the character's historical role in expressing concepts of evaluation and assessment.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

法官判了这个案件。

Fǎguān shěnpànle zhège ànjiàn.

The judge tried this case.

警察问了那个嫌疑人。

Jǐngchá shěnwènle nàge xiányírén.

The police interrogated that suspect.

我们需要查这些数据。

Wǒmen xūyào shěnchá zhèxiē shùjù.

We need to examine these data.

她的美观很独特。

Tā de shěnměiguān hěn dútè.

Her aesthetic view is very unique.

视着自己的错误。

Tā shěnshìzhe zìjǐ de cuòwù.

He is examining his own mistakes.

查过程必须严格。

Shěnchá guòchéng bìxū yángé.

The examination process must be strict.

法院正在理这起纠纷。

Fǎyuàn zhèngzài shěnlǐ zhè qǐ jiūfēn.

The court is hearing this dispute.

在投资之前,他慎地研究了市场。

Zài tóuzī zhīqián, tā shěnshèn de yánjiūle shìchǎng.

Before investing, he carefully studied the market.