HSK 7, zg, 8 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #5366, Very Hard
shèn(shen4) T4
1kidney
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March 24, 2026
肾(腎)shèn(shen4)
The character 肾 (shèn) refers specifically to the kidneys, which are vital organs in the human body responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. It is commonly used in medical contexts and discussions about health, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the kidneys are associated with vitality and longevity.
Strokes8Radical⺼Frequency#5366DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are considered the storehouse of 'jing' (essence), which is vital for health and longevity. This belief highlights the importance of kidney health in Chinese culture, often emphasized through diet and lifestyle.
Memory Tip
Imagine the character 肾 as a 'kidney bean' shape, which can help you visualize its meaning. The left side, 肉 (ròu), means 'meat' or 'flesh,' and can remind you that kidneys are organs in the body. Think of 'shèn' sounding like 'shen' in 'shenandoah,' a river that flows, just like how kidneys filter fluids.
Meanings of 肾
shèn(shen4)
1kidney
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 肾
肾Simplified
腎Traditional
8Strokes
⺼Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 肾
Podcast: 肾
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AI Study Notes for 肾
Quick Contrast
肾 (shèn) vs 肝 (gān) — choose 肾 when referring specifically to kidneys, while 肝 refers to the liver.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing 肾 with other similar-sounding words, such as 申 (shēn), which means 'to report' or 'to extend.' This character is typically used in medical terminology and discussions, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 肾脏 (shèn zàng) meaning 'kidney organ' and 肾功能 (shèn gōng néng) meaning 'kidney function.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 肾 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it's useful for learners at intermediate levels (HSK 3-4) who are expanding their medical and health-related vocabulary. Students should focus on its pronunciation and usage in healthcare contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 肾 (shèn) with 脏 (zàng), which means 'dirty' or 'internal organs.' For example, saying '肾脏' (shèn zàng) for 'dirty organ' is incorrect; it should always be used to refer specifically to the kidneys.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 肾
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How Well Do You Know 肾?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 肾 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 肾 (shèn) refers specifically to the kidneys, which are vital organs in the human body responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. It is commonly used in medical contexts and discussions about health, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the kidneys are associated with vitality and longevity.
When to use 肾
Avoid confusing 肾 with other similar-sounding words, such as 申 (shēn), which means 'to report' or 'to extend.' This character is typically used in medical terminology and discussions, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Common collocations include 肾脏 (shèn zàng) meaning 'kidney organ' and 肾功能 (shèn gōng néng) meaning 'kidney function.'
肾 or something close to it
肾 (shèn) vs 肝 (gān) — choose 肾 when referring specifically to kidneys, while 肝 refers to the liver.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 肾 (shèn) with 脏 (zàng), which means 'dirty' or 'internal organs.' For example, saying '肾脏' (shèn zàng) for 'dirty organ' is incorrect; it should always be used to refer specifically to the kidneys.
Write 肾
肾
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Practice writing 肾 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 肾
肾 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
肝脏和____脏的维生素A含量尤其丰富。
Liver and kidney are particularly rich in vitamin A.
Example Sentences for 肾 (7)
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1
肝脏和肾脏的维生素A含量尤其丰富。
gān zāng hé shèn zāng de wéi shēng sùA A hán liáng yóu qí fēng。
Liver and kidney are particularly rich in vitamin A.
