震

• Pinyin: zhèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 震 = 雨 (rain/storm radical — sky phenomenon) + 辰 (celestial body/morning — force from above)

Meaning

To shake; to vibrate; to shock or awe. Also used as a noun/verb for an earthquake or seismic event.

A powerful, high-frequency character that forms many compounds: 地震 (earthquake), 震动 (vibrate/stir), 震撼 (deeply move), 震惊 (astonish). Often implies forceful physical or emotional impact.

Examples

1. 一声巨响震得室内的窗户嗡嗡作响。 A loud bang shook the room so hard the windows buzzed.
2. 那条爆炸性的新闻震惊了整个城市的居民。 That explosive news shocked residents across the entire city.
3. 他的话语如同惊雷，震动了在场所有人的心。 His words were like a clap of thunder, shaking everyone present to the core.

Usage Guide

Context: news, science, literature

Tone: forceful

Do Say

• 低沉有力的鼓声震彻整个广场，气氛顿时凝重。(The deep, powerful drumbeat shook the entire square and the atmosphere immediately became solemn.)
• 这一消息传来，震动了国内外各界人士。(When the news broke, it sent shockwaves through all sectors at home and abroad.)

Don't Say

• 发生了一个震 — 震 alone cannot serve as a countable noun; use 发生了一次地震 (an earthquake occurred) or 发生了强烈的震动 (intense shaking occurred)

Origin & History

Original character depicting thunder (雨 — rain/storm radical) and the cosmic shaking force (辰 — celestial/time element); extended to mean any shaking or shocking

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal