沉

• Pinyin: chén
• Hanzi breakdown: 沉 = 氵(water radical) + 冘 (phonetic component suggesting downward movement)

Meaning

To sink; to submerge (V); heavy; deep; low (Adj). Describes something going below a surface, or a deep, weighty quality in sound, mood, or weight.

As a verb, 沉 means to sink (e.g., 船沉了 — the boat sank). As an adjective, it describes something heavy (很沉) or a deep quality (声音低沉 — deep voice). Also used figuratively: 心情很沉 (heavy-hearted). Common compounds: 沉默 (silence), 沉重 (heavy/serious), 沉着 (calm/composed).

Examples

1. 那块大石头一扔进水里就沉下去了。 The large stone sank straight to the bottom the moment it was thrown into the water.
2. 背包里装满了书，背起来很沉。 The backpack was stuffed with books and felt very heavy to carry.
3. 他说话的声音很低沉，感觉有点严肃。 His voice was deep and low, giving off a slightly serious impression.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, nature, emotion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个行李箱太沉了，我一个人搬不动。(This suitcase is too heavy — I can't move it by myself.)
• 船因为进水太多慢慢沉入了水底。(The boat slowly sank to the bottom because too much water got in.)

Don't Say

• 用'沉'来表示'慢'的意思 (Don't use 沉 to mean slow — use 慢 instead)

Origin & History

沉 is composed of 氵(water radical) + 冘 (phonetic component). The water radical signals sinking into liquid.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal