阵子 (zhèn zǐ) — (measure word) a period of time, a while

Definition

阵子 is a measure word (in 一阵子, 这阵子) for a stretch of time, used in casual speech. Similar in role to 段 in 一段时间, but more colloquial and less formal.

classifier

a period of timea while

阵子。
Qián zhèn zǐ wǒ yì zhí zài máng gōng zuò.
I've been busy with work the past little while.
阵子。
Wǒ men yǒu hǎo zhèn zǐ méi jiàn miàn le.
We haven't seen each other for quite a while.
阵子。
Zhè zhèn zǐ tiān qì zhēn bú cuò.
The weather has been really nice these days.

Derived word

构词法gòucífǎ

后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

子zǐnoun-forming ending

阵 names a stretch of time, and 子 turns it into a familiar word for a while.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 陣; 阵 is its simplified writing.

In the traditional form 陣, a left-side part was added to a shortened 東; the older shape also used 攴. The simplified 阵 is a later shorthand.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

Appears in