Definition
镇 (zhèn) as a verb means 'to suppress, subdue, calm' — it often implies bringing under control (emotions, unrest) or guarding a place. It is less forceful than 制服 (zhìfú, to subdue physically by force) and less about conquest than 征服 (zhēngfú, to conquer/vanquish). It also has a specific sense of cooling food/drinks (镇一镇).
noun
small town
verb
to suppresssubduecalmto guardgarrisonto cool or chill (food or drinks)
Easily confused
- 填tiánlook-aliketo fill (a hole, container, etc.)
- 针zhēnsound-alikeneedle (sewing, pin)
- 真zhēnlook-alikereally, truly
- 阵zhènsound-alikeclassifier for short bursts or spells of wind, rain, pain, applause, etc.
- 震zhènsound-aliketo shake, to vibrate, to jolt
- 枕zhěnsound-aliketo rest one's head on
Examples
- 镇。Zhège zhèn hěn ānjìng.This small town is very quiet.
- ，。Tā dàshēng shuōhuà, xiǎng zhèn zhù dàjiā.He spoke loudly, trying to calm everyone down.
- ，镇镇。Zhè bēi shuǐ tài rè le, zhèn yí zhèn zài hē.This glass of water is too hot; let it cool down before drinking.
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