Definition
神 (shén) as a noun means 'deity, god' or a person's lively expression/sparkle (e.g. 有神). 精神 (jīngshén) refers to morale or collective ethos, not a divine being. As a slang adjective, 神 means 'amazing, incredible' (often 太∼了), while 厉害 (lìhai) is broader for ability/severity, and 猛 (měng) emphasizes fierceness.
noun
deitygodspiritsoulmental stateexpressionsparkle (as in 眼神, 有神)
adjective
amazingincredible(slang) awesome
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 伸shēnlook-aliketo stretch; to extend
- 身shēnsound-alikebody
- 深shēnsound-alikedeep (of water, hole, color, etc.)
- 肾shènsound-alikekidney
- 审shěnsound-aliketo examine; to investigate (in a formal manner)
- 渗shènsound-aliketo seep, to ooze
Examples
- 神。Gǔdài rén xiāngxìn shén de cúnzài.Ancient people believed in the existence of gods.
- 神！Zhège móshù biǎoyǎn de tài shén le!This magic trick was performed so amazingly!
- 。Tā jīntiān kàn qǐlái hěn yǒu shén.He looks very spirited today.
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