Meanings of 呻
By ear
Play it, then pick what 呻 means.
About 呻
Podcast: 呻
Podcast: 呻
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 呻
呻吟 (yín) vs 呻吟 (shēn yín): Use 呻 (shēn) for informal expressions of discomfort or emotion, while 哭 (kū) is more about crying or weeping.
Be cautious not to confuse 呻 with similar-sounding words that might imply different meanings. It is generally used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in formal writing. Common collocations include phrases related to pain or emotional expressions.
Although not included in the HSK levels, understanding 呻 can enhance your vocabulary related to emotions and sensations. Focus on how it connects with other words that express feelings or sounds, like 哭 (to cry) or 笑 (to laugh), to create a more expressive language use.
Learners often misuse 呻 in formal contexts, where it may seem inappropriate. For example, using it in a business meeting to express discomfort would be incorrect; instead, use a more formal phrase like 表达痛苦 (biǎodá tòngkǔ) meaning 'to express pain'.
Pronunciation of 呻
Drill the tone of 呻 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 呻 to You
Let me explain 呻 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 呻 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 呻?
Learning Lab
Knowing 呻 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 呻
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 申 represents the sound.
mouth
Origin
呻 = 口 + 申. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 呻
Parts
Which of these is part of 呻?
How to say groan in Chinese
“groan” in Chinese is呻
The character 呻 (shēn) means to groan or moan, often indicating discomfort, pain, or a release of emotion. It can also refer to sounds made during chanting or expressing deep feelings, typically in a more informal context. This word is commonly used to convey a sense of suffering or a deep emotional release.
When to use 呻
Be cautious not to confuse 呻 with similar-sounding words that might imply different meanings. It is generally used in informal contexts, so avoid using it in formal writing. Common collocations include phrases related to pain or emotional expressions.
呻 or something close to it
呻吟 (yín) vs 呻吟 (shēn yín): Use 呻 (shēn) for informal expressions of discomfort or emotion, while 哭 (kū) is more about crying or weeping.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 呻 in formal contexts, where it may seem inappropriate. For example, using it in a business meeting to express discomfort would be incorrect; instead, use a more formal phrase like 表达痛苦 (biǎodá tòngkǔ) meaning 'to express pain'.
Write 呻
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 呻 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 呻?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 呻
Words with 呻
What does 呻吟 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 呻
Yes, it is used to describe emotional expressions, especially in informal situations.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 呻?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.