Definitions

zhèn (verb) to shake; to vibrate; to quake
zhèn (noun) thunder
zhèn (adjective) shocked; startled

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 震 combines the rain radical 雨 at the top, linking it to weather phenomena, with the phonetic component 辰 below. Originally, 辰 depicted an agricultural tool or bivalve shell and carried an association with shaking or vibration. Together, the components evoked a thunderstorm, the rattling thunder amid heavy rain. From this meteorological origin, the meaning broadened to describe any intense shaking, vibration, or shock, becoming the standard term for earthquakes and tremors. The sense expanded from the specific roar of thunder to the general notion of shaking, covering both physical ground movements and emotional jolts.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal 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

这座城市地很少。

Zhè zuò chéngshì dìzhèn hěn shǎo.

Earthquakes are rare in this city.

动惊醒了睡梦中的孩子。

Zhèndòng jīngxǐngle shuìmèng zhōng de háizi.

The vibration woke up the sleeping child.

爆炸声撼了整个山谷。

Bàozhà shēng zhènhànle zhěnggè shāngǔ.

The explosion sound shocked the entire valley.

雷声得窗户嗡嗡响。

Léishēng zhèn dé chuānghu wēngwēng xiǎng.

The thunder made the windows buzz.

级达到了七级。

Dìzhèn zhènjí dádàole qī jí.

The earthquake magnitude reached level seven.

科学家正在研究源深度。

Kēxuéjiā zhèngzài yánjiū zhènyuán shēndù.

Scientists are studying the depth of the epicenter.

他的言论怒了全体民众。

Tā de yánlùn zhènnùle quántǐ mínzhòng.

His remarks enraged the entire public.

频繁的地活动预示着可能的大

Pínfán de dìzhèn huódòng yùshìzhe kěnéng de dà zhèn.

Frequent seismic activity indicates a possible major earthquake.