Meanings of 神
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About 神
Podcast: 神
Podcast: 神
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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.
Imagine a 'spirit' (神) soaring in the sky, shining with an otherworldly light. The character has a radical for 'deity' (示) that resembles a shrine, combined with the character for 'man' (人) symbolizing humanity's connection to the divine. Picture a lively spirit dancing between the shrine and the earth.
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.
In Chinese culture, the concept of 神 is deeply embedded in religious practices, particularly in Daoism and Buddhism, where numerous deities and spirits are worshipped. Festivals and rituals often include offerings to these gods, highlighting their role in daily life and the community.
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
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Etymology of 神
Phonosemantic compound. 礻 represents the meaning and 申 represents the sound.
spirit
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 神?
Decomposition of 神
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Write 神
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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 16 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.
Complete the Sentence
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.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "God"?
Example Sentences for 神 (10)
Cultural Notes for 神
In Chinese culture, the concept of 神 is deeply embedded in religious practices, particularly in Daoism and Buddhism, where numerous deities and spirits are worshipped. Festivals and rituals often include offerings to these gods, highlighting their role in daily life and the community.
Word Family of 神
Compound Meaning
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.