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March 24, 2026
贞(貞)zhēn(zhen1)
The character 贞 (zhēn) signifies qualities such as virtue, chastity, and purity. It is often used in contexts related to loyalty and moral integrity, reflecting a person's steadfastness in values and relationships. Commonly found in literary and formal contexts, it embodies a deep respect for ethical principles.
Strokes6Radical⺊Frequency#12389DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of chastity and loyalty, especially for women, was highly valued and often idealized. The character 贞 is frequently associated with historical figures known for their unwavering loyalty and moral integrity, often celebrated in literature and folklore.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'pure' maiden holding a 'pure' gold coin, representing the character 贞. The left part, '贝' (shell), often symbolizes value, while the right part, '正' (zhèng), can be associated with righteousness and correctness. Together, they create an image of someone who is not only valuable but also morally upright.
Meanings of 贞
zhēn(zhen1)
1virtuous, chaste, pure; loyal
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 贞
贞Simplified
貞Traditional
6Strokes
⺊Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 贞
Podcast: 贞
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AI Study Notes for 贞
Quick Contrast
贞 (zhēn) vs 忍 (rěn) — choose 贞 for moral integrity and virtue, while 忍 emphasizes endurance and patience.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'pure' maiden holding a 'pure' gold coin, representing the character 贞. The left part, '贝' (shell), often symbolizes value, while the right part, '正' (zhèng), can be associated with righteousness and correctness. Together, they create an image of someone who is not only valuable but also morally upright.
Usage Notes
贞 is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, making it less common in everyday conversation. Learners should be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like '真' (true), which have different meanings. It often collocates with words like '节' (jie, integrity) to emphasize moral uprightness.
HSK Study Tips
Although 贞 is not a standard HSK vocabulary word, it connects with higher-level themes of morality and ethics found in other HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding its usage in literary texts and historical contexts to enhance their comprehension of Chinese cultural values.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of chastity and loyalty, especially for women, was highly valued and often idealized. The character 贞 is frequently associated with historical figures known for their unwavering loyalty and moral integrity, often celebrated in literature and folklore.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 贞 with similar characters like 真实 (zhēn shí, real) due to pronunciation. A common mistake is saying '贞实' instead of '真实'. Remember, 贞 emphasizes virtue rather than truth.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 贞
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Grammar Patterns of 贞
贞 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). 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
一群演员正在排演一出关于圣女____德的戏。
A group of actors are rehearsing a play about Joan of Arc.
Example Sentences for 贞 (6)
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1
一群演员正在排演一出关于圣女贞德的戏。
yī qún yǎn yuán zhèng zài pái yǎn yī chū guān yú shèng nǚ zhēn dé de xì。
A group of actors are rehearsing a play about Joan of Arc.
2
尽管他一直宣称对她的爱忠贞不渝，她仍然心存怀疑。
jìn guǎn tā yī zhí xuān chēng duì tā de ài zhōng zhēn bù yú， ， tā réng rán xīn cún huái。
Despite his constant protes-tations of devotion and love, her doubts persisted.
3
圣女贞德终于在1920年由教皇本尼狄克十五世封为圣徒。
shèng nǚ zhēn dé zhōng yú zài1920 1920 nián yóu jiào huáng běn ní dí kè shí wǔ shì fēng wéi shèng。
Joan of Arc was finally canonized by Pope Benedict XV in
In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of chastity and loyalty, especially for women, was highly valued and often idealized. The character 贞 is frequently associated with historical figures known for their unwavering loyalty and moral integrity, often celebrated in literature and folklore.
贞德also called Jehanne Darc, the Maid or Orleans, Joan of Arc or St Joan貞德
贞节chastity貞節
坚贞firm堅貞
白素贞(name of a person) Bai Suzhen, from Madame White Snake白素貞
忠贞不渝unswerving in one's loyalty (idiom); faithful and constant忠貞不渝
贞烈ready to die to preserve one's chastity貞烈
坚贞不屈faithful and unchanging (idiom); steadfast堅貞不屈
安贞Antei (Japanese reign name, 1227-1229)安貞
贞丰县Zhenfeng county in Qianxinan Buyei and Miao autonomous prefecture 黔西南州[Qiánxīnánzhōu], Guizhou貞豐縣
贞丰Zhenfeng county in Qianxinan Buyei and Miao autonomous prefecture 黔西南州[Qiánxīnánzhōu], Guizhou貞豐
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 贞 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 贞
Common phrases include '贞节' (zhēn jié), meaning chastity, and '贞观之治' (zhēn guān zhī zhì), referring to the virtuous governance during the Tang Dynasty.
While 贞 is more common in historical and literary contexts, it may appear in discussions about ethics or in references to traditional values.
Focus on the 'zh' sound in 'zhēn', which is similar to the English 'j' in 'judge', but with a more pronounced aspiration.
