Definitions

chén (verb) to sink; submerge
shěn (verb) to pour liquid

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "沈" originated in early Chinese as a representation of sinking or submerging, a meaning derived from its structural composition combining the water radical with the component "冘", which initially provided phonetic guidance but also contributed to notions of depth or immersion. Over time, its usage extended beyond the literal act of sinking to adopt metaphorical dimensions, such as describing profound thought or intense emotions, often found in classical literary expressions. Concurrently, it solidified its role as a persistent surname within Chinese cultural history, maintaining its traditional form with these integral elements while carrying both concrete and abstract significances in the language.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的朋友姓

Wǒ de péngyou xìng Shěn.

My friend's surname is Shen.

先生是医生。

Shěn xiānsheng shì yīshēng.

Mr. Shen is a doctor.

阳的冬天很冷。

Shěnyáng de dōngtiān hěn lěng.

The winter in Shenyang is very cold.

阿姨做菜很好吃。

Shěn āyí zuò cài hěn hǎochī.

Auntie Shen cooks very delicious food.

经理负责这个项目。

Shěn jīnglǐ fùzé zhège xiàngmù.

Manager Shen is in charge of this project.

工程师解决了技术难题。

Shěn gōngchéngshī jiějué le jìshù nántí.

Engineer Shen solved the technical problem.

同学在比赛中获得冠军。

Shěn tóngxué zài bǐsài zhōng huòdé guànjūn.

Classmate Shen won the championship in the competition.

作家的作品深受读者喜爱。

Shěn zuòjiā de zuòpǐn shēn shòu dúzhě xǐ'ài.

The works of Author Shen are deeply loved by readers.