珍 (zhēn) — precious, valuable (bound root used in compound words)
Definition
珍 (zhēn) is a bound morpheme meaning 'precious' — it never stands alone, only appearing in compounds such as 珍贵, 珍珠, and 珍惜.
bound form
preciousvaluable (bound root used in compound words)
Easily confused
- 诊zhěnlook-alikediagnosis; to diagnose (bound form used in medical compounds)
- 真zhēnsound-alikereally, truly
- 针zhēnsound-alikeneedle (sewing, pin)
- 侦zhēnsound-aliketo investigate; to detect (used as a bound form in compounds)
- 贞zhēnsound-alike(bound form) loyal; faithful; constant
- 斟zhēnsound-aliketo pour (tea, wine, etc.) in a careful, often formal manner
Examples
- 。Wǒ men yào zhēn xī shí jiān.We should cherish time.
- 。Zhè shì yí jiàn zhēn guì de lǐ wù.This is a precious gift.
- 。Tā zài xiàng liàn shàng xiāng le yì kē zhēn zhū.She set a pearl in the necklace.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
Sound part声符shēngfú
㐱
㐱㐱珍
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
珍 pairs 玉, a jade or gem, with 㐱, which gives the sound; the 玉 part fits its early meaning of a rich gemstone.
Appears in
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