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

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "镇" originates from its traditional form "鎮", which structurally combines the metal radical "金" with the component "真", initially conveying the concrete action of pressing down or securing something with a heavy metal object. This fundamental notion of applying weight to stabilize evolved into broader meanings of suppression and control, such as pacifying disturbances or exerting authority, which subsequently informed its administrative usage to denote a garrison or a settled town where order was imposed and maintained. Over time, the semantic progression from physical pressure to metaphorical governance retained the inherent link to stability, reflecting the character's enduring connection to concepts of weight and calm through its etymological roots.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个小很安静。

Zhè gè xiǎo zhèn hěn ānjìng.

This small town is very quiet.

定地走向讲台。

Tā zhèndìng de zǒu xiàng jiǎngtái.

He calmly walks to the podium.

政府压了非法活动。

Zhèngfǔ zhènyā le fēifǎ huódòng.

The government suppressed illegal activities.

医生给他开了静剂。

Yīshēng gěi tā kāi le zhènjìngjì.

The doctor prescribed him a sedative.

军队守着重要关口。

Jūnduì zhènshǒu zhe zhòngyào guānkǒu.

The army is guarding an important pass.

这个古有很多历史遗迹。

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,他依然保持定。

Jǐnguǎn miànlín yālì, tā yīrán bǎochí zhèndìng.

Despite facing pressure, he still remains calm.