沁

qìn

心 + 氵

Definitions

qìn to seep; to percolate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 心 represents the sound.

Semantic: 氵 Phonetic: 心

About

The character 沁 combines the semantic component 氵 (water) with the phonetic component 心 (xīn, heart). This structure conveys the physical action of liquid seeping or permeating slowly. Due to the heart element, it is also used metaphorically to describe a refreshing or soothing sensation that pervades the mind, much like moisture absorbed into earth. The form effectively ties the behavior of water to an internal experience of absorption and refreshment.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

茶香沁入心田。

Chá xiāng qìn rù xīntián.

The fragrance of tea permeates the heart.

汗水沁出了他的额头。

Hànshuǐ qìn chūle tā de étóu.

Sweat oozed from his forehead.

凉风沁人，非常舒服。

Liángfēng qìn rén, fēichāng shūfu.

The cool breeze is refreshing, very comfortable.

花香沁满了整个房间。

Huā xiāng qìn mǎnle zhěnggè fángjiān.

The floral fragrance filled the entire room.

她的歌声沁入听众的灵魂。

Tā de gēshēng qìn rù tīngzhòng de línghún.

Her singing voice seeps into the listeners' souls.

泪水沁湿了他的衣衫。

Lèishuǐ qìn shīle tā de yīshān.

Tears soaked his clothes.

这种饮料沁凉解渴，适合夏天。

Zhè zhǒng yǐnliào qìn liáng jiěkě, shìhé xiàtiān.

This drink is cool and thirst-quenching, suitable for summer.

他的话语中沁透着深刻的智慧。

Tā de huàyǔ zhōng qìn tòuzhe shēnkè de zhìhuì.

His words are permeated with profound wisdom.

Related Characters

Component: 心

Component: 氵

沁