Meanings of 神
By ear
Play it, then pick what 神 means.
About 神
Podcast: 神
Podcast: 神
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 神
神 (shén, god) vs 精灵 (jīnglíng, spirit/fairy) — use 神 when referring to a deity or divine being, while 精灵 is used for spirits or supernatural beings that are often more whimsical or ethereal.
In informal contexts, 神 can be used as slang to describe something amazing or impressive, like a person's skills. Be careful with the tone; it's pronounced in the second tone (shén), which is different from the first tone (shēn) that means 'to sink.' Misusing the tone can change the meaning completely.
While 神 is not an HSK word, it connects well with other HSK vocabulary related to culture and spirituality. Focus on how it interacts with words like 灵 (líng - spirit) and 鬼 (guǐ - ghost) to expand your understanding of spiritual concepts in Chinese.
Learners often confuse 神 with other similar-sounding words due to tonal variations. For example, saying shēn instead of shén can mistakenly refer to sinking instead of a spirit. Pay attention to the tone to ensure clarity.
Pronunciation of 神
Drill the tone of 神 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 神 to You
Let me explain 神 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 神 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 神?
Learning Lab
Knowing 神 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 神
Phonosemantic compound. 礻 represents the meaning and 申 represents the sound.
spirit
Origin
神 = 礻 + 申. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 神
Parts
Which of these is part of 神?
How to say God in Chinese
“God” in Chinese is神
The character 神 (shén) primarily means 'god' or 'deity,' and it can also refer to the spirit or soul. It encompasses concepts of the divine, the mysterious, and expressions of liveliness or uniqueness. Commonly used in both religious contexts and colloquial expressions to denote something amazing or extraordinary, it conveys a deep cultural reverence for the divine and the supernatural.
When to use 神
In informal contexts, 神 can be used as slang to describe something amazing or impressive, like a person's skills. Be careful with the tone; it's pronounced in the second tone (shén), which is different from the first tone (shēn) that means 'to sink.' Misusing the tone can change the meaning completely.
神 or something close to it
神 (shén, god) vs 精灵 (jīnglíng, spirit/fairy) — use 神 when referring to a deity or divine being, while 精灵 is used for spirits or supernatural beings that are often more whimsical or ethereal.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 神 with other similar-sounding words due to tonal variations. For example, saying shēn instead of shén can mistakenly refer to sinking instead of a spirit. Pay attention to the tone to ensure clarity.
Write 神
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 神 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 神
神 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 15 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他____经极为紧张！比我还糟！
He was in a blue funk! Worse than me!
Common Confusions with 神
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Similar pronunciation and shape but different meanings.
Which one
Which one means “God”?
Example Sentences for 神 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 神?
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 神
Words with 神
What does 精神 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 神
神舟 (Shénzhōu) refers to China's crewed space program and translates to 'Divine Vessel'. It symbolizes the advancement of Chinese technology and exploration. The name reflects a cultural reverence for the divine and the aspiration to reach new heights.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 神?
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.