镇

鎮

zhèn

真 + 钅

HSK 3.0Level 6

Definitions

zhèn (verb) to suppress; to subdue; to pacify

zhèn (verb) to guard; to garrison

zhèn (noun) small town

zhèn (verb) to cool or chill (food or drinks)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 钅 represents the meaning and 真 represents the sound. Simplified form of 鎮.

Semantic: 钅 Phonetic: 真

About

镇 is a phono-semantic compound and the simplified form of 鎮. The metal radical 钅 indicates an association with heavy metal objects, while 真 gives the sound. Its earliest meaning was a heavy metal weight used to press down and secure things, which led to the extended sense of suppressing or subduing unrest. Because garrisons were established to keep peace in unstable regions, the character came to denote a garrison town, and later any market town or municipality.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个小镇很安静。

Zhè gè xiǎo zhèn hěn ānjìng.

This small town is very quiet.

他镇定地走向讲台。

Tā zhèndìng de zǒu xiàng jiǎngtái.

He calmly walks to the podium.

政府镇压了非法活动。

Zhèngfǔ zhènyā le fēifǎ huódòng.

The government suppressed illegal activities.

医生给他开了镇静剂。

Yīshēng gěi tā kāi le zhènjìngjì.

The doctor prescribed him a sedative.

军队镇守着重要关口。

Jūnduì zhènshǒu zhe zhòngyào guānkǒu.

The army is guarding an important pass.

这个古镇有很多历史遗迹。

Zhè gè gǔ zhèn yǒu hěn duō lìshǐ yíjì.

This ancient town has many historical relics.

她用书镇住飘动的窗帘。

Tā yòng shū zhèn zhù piāodòng de chuānglián.

She uses a book to weigh down the fluttering curtain.

尽管面临压力，他依然保持镇定。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín yālì, tā yīrán bǎochí zhèndìng.

Despite facing pressure, he still remains calm.

Related Characters

Component: 真

Component: 钅

镇