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March 24, 2026
绅(紳)shēn(shen1)
The character 绅 (shēn) refers to a member of the gentry, which historically denotes a class of respectable and influential individuals in Chinese society. It can also imply elements of refinement or social standing, often associated with the traditional upper class or educated elite. In modern contexts, it may connote elegance or sophistication.
Strokes8Radical纟Frequency#23148DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the gentry class historically played a significant role in governance and education, often being seen as moral exemplars. The concept of 绅 reflects the importance of social hierarchy and the values of respectability and refinement in traditional society.
Memory Tip
Think of 绅 (shēn) as a 'gentleman' who wears a fine girdle (the radical 绳 represents a rope or tie) to show his status. Visualize him bending slightly in a polite bow to greet you, emphasizing his refined upbringing.
Meanings of 绅
shēn(shen1)
1member of gentry
2girdle, tie; gentry; to bend
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 绅
绅Simplified
紳Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23148Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绅
Podcast: 绅
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AI Study Notes for 绅
Quick Contrast
士 (shì) - use 绅 (shēn) when referring specifically to the gentry or a refined social class, while 士 (shì) refers more broadly to scholars or gentlemen without the same connotation of wealth or status.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 绅 (shēn) as a 'gentleman' who wears a fine girdle (the radical 绳 represents a rope or tie) to show his status. Visualize him bending slightly in a polite bow to greet you, emphasizing his refined upbringing.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone, as 'shēn' has a high-level tone that can be easily confused with other words. It is typically used in formal contexts when discussing social classes or characteristics of refinement. Common collocations include 绅士 (shēnshì), meaning 'gentleman'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 绅 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it relates to themes found in HSK Level 4 and above, such as social structures and relationships. Focus on understanding its use in literature and historical contexts to deepen comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the gentry class historically played a significant role in governance and education, often being seen as moral exemplars. The concept of 绅 reflects the importance of social hierarchy and the values of respectability and refinement in traditional society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 绅 with similar-sounding words. For example, using 'shen' with a neutral tone may lead to misunderstandings. Always use the correct high tone 'shēn' to convey the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 绅
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Grammar Patterns of 绅
绅 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这整个地方就是那位家长式乡____的浪漫想象。
The whole place was the romantic vision of the paternalist local squire.
Example Sentences for 绅 (10)
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1
这整个地方就是那位家长式乡绅的浪漫想象。
zhè zhěng gè dì fāng jiù shì nà wèi jiā cháng shì xiāng shēn de làng màn xiǎng xiàng。
The whole place was the romantic vision of the paternalist local squire.
In Chinese culture, the gentry class historically played a significant role in governance and education, often being seen as moral exemplars. The concept of 绅 reflects the importance of social hierarchy and the values of respectability and refinement in traditional society.
Word Family of 绅
Words Containing This Character4
绅士shēnshìgentleman紳士
绅shēnmember of gentry紳
乡绅squire鄉紳
土豪劣绅local bosses, shady gentry (idiom); dominant local mafia土豪劣紳
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 绅士 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 绅
In modern contexts, 绅 refers more broadly to individuals of refined taste or elegance rather than strictly to social class.
绅 is pronounced as 'shēn' with a high tone. Ensure you maintain the tone to avoid confusion with other terms.
While it can refer to anyone exhibiting refinement, it is most accurate when discussing individuals of higher social status or traditional gentry.
