Definitions

zhèn (noun) battle formation; troop deployment
zhèn (noun) wave; burst; spell; short duration

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts a formation () of soldiers in chariots ().

About

The character "阵", whose traditional form is "陣", combines the radical "阝", derived from "阜" and associated with terrain, with the component "车" (車 in traditional form) meaning vehicle or chariot, structurally implying chariots deployed on land. This etymology originally denoted a military formation or battle array, specifically the arrangement of troops and equipment in a tactical position. Over time, its meaning extended beyond warfare to refer to any organized lineup or pattern, such as in sports or ceremonies, and also developed a temporal usage to indicate a brief period or spell of an action, like a shower of rain. The character's semantic shift moved from a concrete martial concept to broader applications involving arrangement and duration.

Example Sentences Hide

刚才下了一雨。

Gāngcái xiàle yīzhèn yǔ.

It just rained for a while.

他感到一疼痛。

Tā gǎndào yīzhèn téngtòng.

He felt a burst of pain.

战士们坚守地。

Zhànshìmen jiānshǒu zhèndì.

The soldiers held their position.

这场雨来得突然。

Zhè chǎng zhènyǔ lái de tūrán.

This shower came suddenly.

公司公布了新的容。

Gōngsī gōngbùle xīn de zhènróng.

The company announced the new lineup.

风把树吹得摇晃。

Zhènfēng bǎ shù chuī de yáohuàng.

The gust of wind made the trees sway.

他在战场上摆开势。

Tā zài zhànchǎng shàng bǎi kāi zhènshì.

He deployed his formation on the battlefield.

经过一激烈的讨论,他们达成了协议。

Jīngguò yīzhèn jīliè de tǎolùn, tāmen dáchéngle xiéyì.

After a burst of intense discussion, they reached an agreement.