Definition
沉沉 is the reduplicated form of 沉 (chén, 'heavy/sink'), used as a descriptive adjective to intensify the sense of depth, heaviness, or oppression. It often describes a physical weight (沉沉的包裹), a deep or gloomy atmosphere (夜色沉沉), a heavy mood (心情沉沉), or a muffled sound (雷声沉沉). The reduplication adds a literary or dramatic feel, common in written Chinese and speech for emphasis.
r.f.
heavysinking (of objects or weight)deepgloomyoppressive (of atmosphere or mood)deep and muffled (of sound)
Examples
- 沉沉，。Tā bēizhe chén chén de bēibāo, yībù yībù wǎng qián zǒu.He carried the heavy backpack and walked forward step by step.
- ，沉沉。Yè shēn le, chuāngwài chén chén de yèsè ràng rén gǎndào níngjìng.It was late at night; the deep night outside made people feel peaceful.
- 沉沉，。Yuǎnchù chuánlái chén chén de léishēng, bàoyǔ jiù yào lái le.The deep rumble of thunder came from afar; a heavy rain was about to come.
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