Definition
深 (shēn) is the basic, all-purpose adjective for 'deep' — used for water, holes, colors (dark), and figuratively for understanding or feelings. It is broader than 深刻 (shēn kè, 'profound' about thoughts/impressions) and 深厚 (shēn hòu, 'deep' about emotions/relationships).
deep (of water, hole, color, etc.)(figurative) deepprofound (of understanding, feeling, etc.)
Easily confused
- 探tànlook-aliketo explore; to scout; to reconnoiter
- 身shēnsound-alikebody
- 神shénsound-alike(noun) deity, god; spirit, soul
- 伸shēnsound-aliketo stretch; to extend
- 肾shènsound-alikekidney
- 审shěnsound-aliketo examine; to investigate (in a formal manner)
- 渗shènsound-aliketo seep, to ooze
Examples
- 深，。Zhège hú hěn shēn, xiàtiān kěyǐ yóuyǒng.This lake is deep – you can swim in the summer.
- 深，？Zhè jiàn yīfu de yánsè tài shēn le, yǒu qiǎn yìdiǎn de ma?The color of this clothes is too dark; do you have a lighter one?
- 深，。Tā duì zhège wèntí liǎojiě hěn shēn, kěyǐ wèn tā.He has a deep understanding of this issue – you can ask him.
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