神 (shén) — (noun) deity, god; spirit, soul; (noun) mental state, expression, sparkle (as in 眼神, 有神); (adjective) amazing, incredible; (slang) awesome
Definition
Used as an adjective, 神 means 'amazing/awesome' in colloquial praise (like 厉害 but for things that feel magical or impressive). As a noun it means a deity or spirit.
noun
deitygodspiritsoulmental stateexpressionsparkle (as in 眼神, 有神)
adjective
amazingincredible(slang) awesome
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
Examples
- 神。Gǔ dài rén xiāng xìn shén de cún zài.Ancient people believed in the existence of gods.
- 神！Zhè ge mó shù biǎo yǎn dé tài shén le!This magic trick was performed so amazingly!
- 。Tā jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn yǒu shén.He looks very spirited today.
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.
The older form 申 drew lightning, which the ancients regarded as divine; 神 adds 示 (god/deity) to mark that meaning.
Appears in
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