定神 (dìng shén) — to collect oneself, to compose oneself; to conc…

Definition

A verb meaning to steady one's mind after a shock or distraction — to gather focus and calm down. Often used reduplicated (定一定神) or in 定下神来.

verb

to collect oneselfto compose oneselfto concentrate one's attention

，定神。
Tā xià le yí tiào, hǎo bàn tiān cái dìng shén.
He was startled and took a long time to compose himself.
，。
Nǐ xiān dìng yí dìng shén, zài màn màn shuō.
First take a moment to collect yourself, then speak slowly.
，。
Tā dìng xià shén lái, zǐ xì kàn le kàn nà zhāng zhào piàn.
He calmed down and looked carefully at that photo.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

“定” means to settle or steady, “神” refers to the mind or spirit, together describing settling one's attention.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

宀宀mián

Sound part声符shēngfú

正

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

定 is built from 宀 and 正, with 正 supplying the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

示示shìgod; deity

Sound part声符shēngfú

申

Same sound today

The older form 申 drew lightning, which the ancients regarded as divine; 神 adds 示 (god/deity) to mark that meaning.