伸

• Pinyin: shēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 伸 = 亻(person) + 申 (extend, phonetic)

Meaning

To stretch; to extend; to reach out.

Describes the action of extending body parts (arms, legs, neck) or abstract things outward. Often paired with direction complements like 出 (out). The opposite action is 缩 (retract). Also used figuratively for extending time, influence, or assistance.

Examples

1. 他伸出手来和我握手，态度非常友好。 He reached out his hand to shake mine — his attitude was very friendly.
2. 猫懒洋洋地伸了个懒腰，又继续睡觉。 The cat lazily stretched and then continued sleeping.
3. 树枝伸向窗户，遮住了一部分阳光。 The tree branches extended toward the window, blocking some of the sunlight.

Usage Guide

Context: physical action, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 伸出你的手。(Reach out your hand.)
• 他伸长脖子往外看。(He stretched his neck to look outside.)

Don't Say

• 我伸了我的计划 — 伸 is physical; for extending plans, use 延长 or 延伸

Origin & History

Contains 亻(person radical) and 申 (extend), representing a person stretching or extending.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal