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March 24, 2026
深沉shēnchén(shen1chen2)
深沉 (shēnchén) describes something that is deep or profound, both in a literal and figurative sense. It can refer to physical depth, such as a voice or sound, or metaphorical depth, such as a person's thoughts or emotions, often implying a reserved or undemonstrative nature.
Frequency#16000DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
深沉 is often associated with traditional Chinese values of modesty and introspection, reflecting a cultural appreciation for depth in character and thought.
Memory Tip
Imagine a deep well (深) that echoes with a low, profound sound (沉). Visualize someone standing quietly by the well, reflecting deeply, embodying the reserved nature of 深沉.
Meanings of 深沉
shēnchén(shen1chen2)
1deep
2profound
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 深沉
深沉Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#16000Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 深沉
Podcast: 深沉
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AI Study Notes for 深沉
Quick Contrast
沉稳 (chénwěn) vs 深沉 (shēnchén): use 深沉 when emphasizing emotional or intellectual depth, while 沉稳 focuses on steadiness and calmness.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a deep well (深) that echoes with a low, profound sound (沉). Visualize someone standing quietly by the well, reflecting deeply, embodying the reserved nature of 深沉.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 深沉 with 浅显 (qiǎnxiǎn), which means superficial or shallow. 深沉 is more formal and often used in literary contexts, while colloquial expressions may favor simpler terms like 深.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 深沉 connects with other advanced vocabulary that describes emotional or tonal qualities. Focus on using it in contexts that require nuance, such as literature analysis or deep conversations.
Cultural Note
深沉 is often associated with traditional Chinese values of modesty and introspection, reflecting a cultural appreciation for depth in character and thought.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 深沉 to describe a cheerful or outgoing person, which would be a misunderstanding of its reserved connotation. Instead, use it for someone who is reflective and less expressive.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 深沉
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Grammar Patterns of 深沉
深沉 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 6 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 4
Complete the Sentence
那张毫无表情的脸看上去____而又神秘。
That expressionless face had seemed deep and mysterious.
Example Sentences for 深沉 (5)
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1
那张毫无表情的脸看上去深沉而又神秘。
nà zhāng háo wú biǎo qíng de liǎn kàn shàng qù shēn chén ér yòu shén mì。
That expressionless face had seemed deep and mysterious.
2
美乐皇轩红酒色深沉而通透,酒香醇厚而丰富,于甜平衡而调和,实在是佐肴之佳酿.
měi lè huáng xuān hóng jiǔ sè shēn chén ér tōng tòu, , jiǔ xiāng chún hòu ér fēng, fù , yú tián píng héng ér, tiáo hé , shí zài shì zuǒ yáo.
It attains maturity quickly but continues to age well over time.
3
厄香拉深沉而又热烈地爱着伯金, 可她使不上劲.
è xiāng lā shēn chén ér yòu rè liè dì ài zháo bó jīn, , kě tā shǐ bù shàng.
Vrsula was deeply and passionately in love with Birkin, and she was capable of nothing.
4
这个矮老头的深沉感情使她大吃一惊.
zhè gè ǎi lǎo tóu de shēn chén gǎn qíng shǐ tā dà chī yī jīng.
The little man's depth of feeling had startled her.
5
青年牧师的话音时断时续,听起来甜美 、 丰润而深沉, 实在撼人心肺.
qīng nián mù shī de huà yīn shí duàn shí xù, , tīng qǐ lái tián、 měi 、 fēng rùn ér, shēn chén , shí zài hàn.
The young pastor's voice was tremulously sweet , rich, deep, and broken.
Cultural Notes for 深沉
🏮Cultural insight
深沉 is often associated with traditional Chinese values of modesty and introspection, reflecting a cultural appreciation for depth in character and thought.
Frequently Asked Questions about 深沉
No, 深沉 typically describes someone who is reserved and undemonstrative, not talkative.
No, while it can describe deep voices, it also applies to thoughts, emotions, and even the atmosphere.
