Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#23148DifficultyVery Hard
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 绅 means.
About 绅
绅Simplified
紳Traditional
8Strokes
纟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23148Frequency Rank
Podcast: 绅
Podcast: 绅
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 绅 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 绅 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 绅?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 绅 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.
绅 = 纟 + 申. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 绅
IDS Structure⿰纟申
绅Full Character
=
纟si1
left
申Shen1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 绅?
How to say member of gentry in Chinese
“member of gentry” in Chinese is绅shēn
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.
When to use 绅
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'.
绅 or something close to it
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 绅
绅
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 绅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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.
