Meanings of 伸
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About 伸
Podcast: 伸
Podcast: 伸
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AI Study Notes for 伸
延 (yán) - use 伸 (shēn) for physical stretching or reaching out, while 延 (yán) is more about prolonging or extending in time.
Common mistakes include confusing 伸 with similar verbs like 扩 (kuò, to expand) or 延 (yán, to prolong), which have distinct nuances. It's typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of tone when using it in conversation—'shēn' should be pronounced with a high level tone.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 伸 connects to terms about movements and actions. Students should focus on how it pairs with other verbs to describe physical states or actions, such as 伸展 (shēnzhǎn, to stretch out) and 伸出 (shēnchū, to extend out).
Learners often confuse 伸 with its antonym 缩 (suō, to shrink), resulting in sentences like '我需要缩我的手' (Wǒ xūyào suō wǒ de shǒu), which is incorrect. The correct usage would be '我需要伸我的手' (Wǒ xūyào shēn wǒ de shǒu), meaning 'I need to stretch out my hand.'
Pronunciation of 伸
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Etymology of 伸
To extend your confidence 申 to another person 亻; 申 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 伸
- 1The giveawayTo extend your confidence 申 to another person 亻; 申 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 伸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 伸
Identify the Components
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How to say to stretch in Chinese
“to stretch” in Chinese is伸
The character 伸 (shēn) primarily means 'to stretch' or 'to extend.' It is commonly used in contexts involving physical actions, such as stretching one's body, or metaphorical uses like extending a hand of help or trust. This character conveys a sense of openness and reaching out, both literally and figuratively.
When to use 伸
Common mistakes include confusing 伸 with similar verbs like 扩 (kuò, to expand) or 延 (yán, to prolong), which have distinct nuances. It's typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of tone when using it in conversation—'shēn' should be pronounced with a high level tone.
伸 or something close to it
延 (yán) - use 伸 (shēn) for physical stretching or reaching out, while 延 (yán) is more about prolonging or extending in time.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 伸 with its antonym 缩 (suō, to shrink), resulting in sentences like '我需要缩我的手' (Wǒ xūyào suō wǒ de shǒu), which is incorrect. The correct usage would be '我需要伸我的手' (Wǒ xūyào shēn wǒ de shǒu), meaning 'I need to stretch out my hand.'
Write 伸
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Practice writing 伸 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 伸
伸 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 3 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
我走到镜子前面____出舌头。
I walked over to the mirror and stuck my tongue out.
Common Confusions with 伸
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
Same pronunciation but different meanings.
伸 means to stretch, while 伸展 refers specifically to the act of stretching out or extending more broadly.
她在做伸展运动。
伸 means to stretch, while 伸展 refers specifically to the act of stretching out or extending more broadly.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to stretch"?
Example Sentences for 伸 (10)
Word Family of 伸
Compound Meaning
What does 伸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 伸
You can say '我想伸展我的身体' (Wǒ xiǎng shēnzhǎn wǒ de shēntǐ), meaning 'I want to stretch my body.'
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