Definition
审 (shěn) is a formal verb meaning 'to examine/investigate' in an official context, or 'to try a case in court'. Unlike its compound siblings (e.g., 审查 'review documents', 审理 'hear a case', 审视 'scrutinize'), 审 alone is a general verb for formal inspection or legal proceedings.
verb
to examineto investigate (in a formal manner)to try (a case in court)
Easily confused
- 伸shēnlook-aliketo stretch; to extend
- 身shēnsound-alikebody
- 神shénsound-alike(noun) deity, god; spirit, soul
- 深shēnsound-alikedeep (of water, hole, color, etc.)
- 肾shènsound-alikekidney
- 渗shènsound-aliketo seep, to ooze
Examples
- 审。Fǎguān bìxū gōngzhèng de shěn zhège ànzi.The judge must try this case fairly.
- 。Fǎguān zhèngzài shěn lǐ zhè qǐ dàoqiè àn.The judge is trying this theft case.
- 。Gōngsī xūyào shěn chá suǒyǒu shēnqǐngrén de zīgé.The company needs to examine all applicants' qualifications.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.