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March 24, 2026
申Shēn(Shen1)
The character 申 (shēn) primarily means 'to extend' or 'to explain.' It is also associated with the old name for Shanghai and serves as a surname. In addition, it represents the 9th earthly branch in the Chinese zodiac, corresponding to the time period from 3-5 p.m. and is linked with the year of the Monkey.
Strokes5Radical田Frequency#16734DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
申 is historically significant as it relates to Shanghai, a major cultural and economic hub in China. The character evokes the city's rich history and transformation over centuries, symbolizing its importance in modern China.
Memory tip
Imagine a long arm extending outwards to 'state' or 'explain' something clearly. The character 申 resembles an open hand, ready to express or declare ideas, while 'shēn' sounds like 'extend' — think of stretching out your hand to someone to communicate.
Meanings of 申
Shēn(Shen1)
1old name for Shanghai 上海[Shàng hǎi]
2to extend
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About 申
申Simplified
5Strokes
田Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#16734Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 申
Podcast: 申
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AI study notes for 申
Quick Contrast
申 (shēn) vs 伸 (shēn) — use 申 for 'to explain' or in the context of the zodiac, while 伸 is specifically about 'to stretch' or 'to extend physically.'
Usage Notes
When using 申 in context, be aware that it can appear in both formal and informal settings. It is often found in phrases related to reporting or explanation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters; pay attention to the tonal differences.
HSK Study Tips
Although 申 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be connected to other characters describing time and zodiac signs. Students should focus on its multiple meanings and usage in contexts like reporting or explaining to enhance comprehension.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 申 with other characters like 申明 (shēn míng), meaning 'to explain clearly,' and misuse it in context. For example, saying '我申明我喜欢' (I extend that I like) instead of the correct '我声明我喜欢' (I declare that I like).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 申
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How to say old name for Shanghai 上海[Shàng hǎi] in Chinese
“old name for Shanghai 上海[Shàng hǎi]” in Chinese is申Shēn
The character 申 (shēn) primarily means 'to extend' or 'to explain.' It is also associated with the old name for Shanghai and serves as a surname. In addition, it represents the 9th earthly branch in the Chinese zodiac, corresponding to the time period from 3-5 p.m. and is linked with the year of the Monkey.
When to use 申
When using 申 in context, be aware that it can appear in both formal and informal settings. It is often found in phrases related to reporting or explanation. Common mistakes include confusing it with similar-sounding characters; pay attention to the tonal differences.
申 or something close to it
申 (shēn) vs 伸 (shēn) — use 申 for 'to explain' or in the context of the zodiac, while 伸 is specifically about 'to stretch' or 'to extend physically.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 申 with other characters like 申明 (shēn míng), meaning 'to explain clearly,' and misuse it in context. For example, saying '我申明我喜欢' (I extend that I like) instead of the correct '我声明我喜欢' (I declare that I like).
Write 申
申
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Grammar patterns of 申
申 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 9 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.
In ancient times, merchants often said they were going to Shen for business, which referred to Shanghai.
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Cultural Notes for 申
💡Did you know?
The character 申 has historical significance as it was one of the 12 earthly branches in ancient Chinese astrology, which are linked to the zodiac. The year of the Monkey is associated with it, adding to its cultural relevance.
Word Family of 申
Compounds24
神shénGod
审shěnto examine
伸shēnto stretch
绅shēnmember of gentry
畅chàngfree
坤kūnearth; feminine
呻shēngroan
砷shēnarsenic
抻chēnto pull
痩shòu
柛shēn
捜sōu
珅shēn
胂shènarsine
妽shēn
暢chàngfreely, smoothly; unrestrained
朄yǐn
氠shēn
畃xún
眒shēn
紳shēngirdle, tie; gentry; to bend
訷shēn
迧chén
鉮huán
Words containing this character19
申请shēnqǐngto apply for sth申請
申Shēnto extend
申报shēnbàoto declare (to customs)申報
重申chóngshēnto reaffirm
申诉shēnsùcomplaint申訴
申请表shēnqǐngbiǎoapplication form申請表
申请人shēnqǐngrénapplicant申請人
申领shēnlǐngto apply (for license, visa etc)申領
申请书shēnqǐngshūapplication申請書
申明shēnmíngto declare
申办shēnbànto apply for申辦
申辩shēnbiànto defend oneself申辯
申城shēnchéngalternative name for Shanghai 上海[Shànghǎi]
引申yǐnshēnderivation
申雪shēnxuěto right a wrong
季莫申科jìmòshēnkēTymoshenko (name)
申述shēnshùto state
三令五申sānlìngwǔshēnto order again and again (idiom)
卢卡申科lúkǎshēnkēAleksandr Grigoryevich Lukachenko, president of Belarus from 1994盧卡申科
Exercise 1 of 4
Characters with 申
What does 神 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 申
The character 申 holds cultural significance as it is connected to the Chinese zodiac, representing the year of the Monkey. Furthermore, its historical association with Shanghai adds to its importance in modern usage, as Shanghai is a major city in China. Understanding 申 can provide insights into both language and Chinese culture.
Historically, 申 was used as an old name for Shanghai, which has evolved over time. It also plays a role in Chinese astrology and timekeeping, marking specific periods in the lunar calendar. The character's connection to ancient practices, such as compass directions, reflects the rich heritage of Chinese language and culture.
申 (shēn) can refer to several meanings, including an old name for Shanghai (上海), a surname (Shen), and the act of explaining. Additionally, it represents the 9th earthly branch in the Chinese calendar, associated with the time period from 3-5 p.m., and is also an ancient compass point indicating 240°.
To use 申 in a sentence, you might say '我想申明我的观点' which means 'I want to explain my point of view.' This demonstrates the character's meaning of 'to explain.' Additionally, when referring to the surname, you could say '申先生是我的老师,' meaning 'Mr. Shen is my teacher.'
In the context of time, 申 refers to the period from 3-5 p.m. in the traditional Chinese timekeeping system.
While 申 is not as commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in specific contexts like zodiac discussions and historical references.
Yes, 申 can function as a verb meaning 'to explain' or 'to report' in various contexts.
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