(shēn) — the ninth Earthly Branch (used in the Chinese zodiac and traditional timekeeping); abbreviation for Shanghai (e.g., in postal codes or company names); a Chinese surname

Definition

Here 申 (shēn) is read as a proper noun: the ninth Earthly Branch (申年 = Year of the Monkey), the abbreviation for Shanghai, and a surname. Don't confuse with the verb shēn ('to state / explain'), a different word.

noun
the ninth Earthly Branch (used in the Chinese zodiac and traditional timekeeping)abbreviation for Shanghai (e.g., in postal codes or company names)a Chinese surname

Examples

  • Jīn nián shì shēn nián, yě jiù shì hóu nián.
    This year is the Year of Shen, which is the Year of the Monkey.
  • shēn Shì shàng hǎi de lìng yí gè jiǎn chēng.
    Shen is another abbreviation for Shanghai.
  • shēn Xiān sheng shì tā men de lǎo shī.
    Mr. Shen is their teacher.

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