Definition
震 (zhèn) is a versatile verb meaning 'to shake or jolt physically' (e.g., earthquake) or 'to shock/stun emotionally.' Compared to 震动/震荡, which emphasize a prolonged physical vibration or ripple effect, 震 often implies a sudden, violent jolt. For emotional shock, 震惊 (zhèn jīng) is a stronger adjective/verb for 'deeply astonished,' while 震 alone (as in 震住) conveys momentary stunning.
verb
to shaketo vibrateto joltto be shockedto be stunned
Easily confused
- 真zhēnsound-alikereally, truly
- 镇zhènsound-alike(noun) small town
- 针zhēnsound-alikeneedle (sewing, pin)
- 阵zhènsound-alikeclassifier for short bursts or spells of wind, rain, pain, applause, etc.
- 枕zhěnsound-aliketo rest one's head on
Examples
- 震。Dìzhèn shí zhěng dòng lóu dōu zài zhèn.The whole building was shaking during the earthquake.
- 震。Tā de yǎnjiǎng zhèn zhù le suǒyǒu tīngzhòng.His speech stunned all the listeners.
- ，震。Yì shēng léi xiǎng, chuānghu dōu bèi zhèn de fā chàn.A thunderclap shook the windows so they rattled.
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