unknown, 7 strokes, radical 氵, rank #51720, Very Hard
qìn(qin4) T4
1to soak, to seep in, to percolate
2to seep
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March 24, 2026
沁qìn(qin4)
The character 沁 (qìn) refers to the action of soaking or seeping, often used in contexts related to liquids permeating something. It can also convey a sense of something gradually infiltrating or permeating an environment or feeling, such as a refreshing scent or taste. It is commonly associated with water or other liquids that seep into materials or surroundings.
Strokes7Radical氵Frequency#51720DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese tea culture, the term 沁 is often used to describe the way tea flavors seep into water, creating a rich and aromatic beverage. This reflects the importance of tea in Chinese daily life and the appreciation for subtle tastes.
Memory Tip
To remember 沁 (qìn), think of a 'deep' 'in' (the components of the character) water that soaks into the ground, refreshing the soil. Imagine a sponge soaking in water, with the water slowly seeping into every pore, which highlights the essence of the word.
Meanings of 沁
qìn(qin4)
1to soak, to seep in, to percolate
2to seep
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 沁
沁Simplified
7Strokes
氵Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 沁
Podcast: 沁
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AI Study Notes for 沁
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 沁, as the first tone may be mistaken for other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, so avoid using it in everyday casual conversations. Common collocations include phrases related to flavors or scents, such as '沁人心脾' (qìn rén xīn pí), meaning refreshing or delightful.
HSK Study Tips
Although 沁 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other HSK Level 5 words that describe sensory experiences, such as 清 (qīng, clear) and 香 (xiāng, fragrant). Students should focus on recognizing its use in literary texts and poetry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 沁 with similar-sounding characters like 亲 (qīn, to kiss or to be close). For example, saying '我很沁你的朋友' (wǒ hěn qìn nǐ de péngyǒu) instead of '我很亲你的朋友' would be incorrect, as 沁 does not convey the intended meaning of closeness.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 沁
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Etymology of 沁
Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声å—)~80-90% of characters
Explanation
Phonosemantic compound. 氵 represents the meaning and 心 represents the sound.
沁 = 氵 + 心. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 沁
IDS Structure⿰氵心
沁Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
心xin1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 沁?
How to say to soak, to seep in, to percolate in Chinese
“to soak, to seep in, to percolate” in Chinese is沁qìn
The character 沁 (qìn) refers to the action of soaking or seeping, often used in contexts related to liquids permeating something. It can also convey a sense of something gradually infiltrating or permeating an environment or feeling, such as a refreshing scent or taste. It is commonly associated with water or other liquids that seep into materials or surroundings.
When to use 沁
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 沁, as the first tone may be mistaken for other similar-sounding words. It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, so avoid using it in everyday casual conversations. Common collocations include phrases related to flavors or scents, such as '沁人心脾' (qìn rén xīn pí), meaning refreshing or delightful.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 沁 with similar-sounding characters like 亲 (qīn, to kiss or to be close). For example, saying '我很沁你的朋友' (wǒ hěn qìn nǐ de péngyǒu) instead of '我很亲你的朋友' would be incorrect, as 沁 does not convey the intended meaning of closeness.
Write 沁
沁
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Grammar Patterns of 沁
沁 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
更不用说神经和内分____超负荷对身体的影响了.
Not to mention the physical effects of neural or endocrine overload.
Example Sentences for 沁 (1)
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1
更不用说神经和内分沁超负荷对身体的影响了.
gēng bù yòng shuō shén jīng hé nèi fēn qìn chāo fù hé duì shēn tǐ de yǐng xiǎng le.
Not to mention the physical effects of neural or endocrine overload.
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Word Family of 沁
Words Containing This Character20
沁qìnto seep
沁人心脾to gladden the heart
科尔沁Horqin or Xorchin, famous Mongolian archer科爾沁
沁源Qingyuan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi
沁阳市Qinyang county level city in Jiaozuo 焦作[Jiāozuò], Henan沁陽市
沁阳Qinyang county level city in Jiaozuo 焦作[Jiāozuò], Henan沁陽
沁水Qinshui county in Jincheng 晉城|晋城[Jìnchéng], Shanxi
沁源县Qingyuan county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi沁源縣
沁水县Qinshui county in Jincheng 晉城|晋城[Jìnchéng], Shanxi沁水縣
沁县Qin county in Changzhi 長治|长治[Chángzhì], Shanxi沁縣
喀喇沁旗Harqin banner or Kharchin khoshuu in Chifeng 赤峰[Chìfēng], Inner Mongolia
科尔沁区Horqin district or Xorchin raion of Tongliao city 通遼市|通辽市[Tōngliáoshì], Inner Mongolia科爾沁區
东乌珠穆沁旗East Ujimqin banner or Züün Üzemchin khoshuu in Xilin Gol league 錫林郭勒盟|锡林郭勒盟[Xīlínguōlèméng], Inner Mongolia東烏珠穆沁旗
阿鲁科尔沁旗Ar Horqin banner or Aru Khorchin khoshuu in Chifeng 赤峰[Chìfēng], Inner Mongolia阿魯科爾沁旗
西乌珠穆沁旗West Ujimqin banner or Baruun Üzemchin khoshuu in Xilin Gol league 錫林郭勒盟|锡林郭勒盟[Xīlínguōlèméng], Inner Mongolia西烏珠穆沁旗
玛沁Maqên or Maqin county (Tibetan: rma chen rdzong) in Golog Tibetan autonomous prefecture 果洛州[Guǒluòzhōu], Qinghai瑪沁
科尔沁右翼中旗Horqin right center banner, Mongolian Khorchin Baruun Garyn Dund khoshuu, in Hinggan league 興安盟|兴安盟[Xīng'ānméng], east Inner Mongolia科爾沁右翼中旗
科尔沁右翼前旗Horqin right front banner, Mongolian Khorchin Baruun Garyn Ömnöd khoshuu, in Hinggan league 興安盟|兴安盟[Xīng'ānméng], east Inner Mongolia科爾沁右翼前旗
玛沁县Maqên or Maqin county (Tibetan: rma chen rdzong) in Golog Tibetan autonomous prefecture 果洛州[Guǒluòzhōu], Qinghai瑪沁縣
科尔沁左翼后旗Horqin Left Rear banner or Khorchin Züün Garyn Xoit khoshuu in Tongliao 通遼|通辽[Tōngliáo], Inner Mongolia科爾沁左翼後旗
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 沁
What does 沁人心脾 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 沁
Some common phrases include '沁人心脾' (refreshing and delightful) and '沁水' (soaking water).
No, 沁 is more commonly used in literary or formal contexts rather than casual conversations.
Yes, it can describe emotions or sensations that permeate one's experience, such as joy or nostalgia.
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