Chinese word

沉

Pronunciation

Pinyinchén

Meaning

  • adjectiveheavy

Example

这个包很沉，我提不动。zhè ge bāo hěn chén wǒ tí bú dòng

This bag is very heavy, and I can't lift it.

Illustration for 沉 (heavy)

More examples

篮子里放着几个沉甸甸的苹果。lán zi lǐ fàng zhe jǐ gè chén diàn diàn de píng guǒ

There are several very heavy apples in the basket.

Core concept

Something settles downward under its own weight, either resisting movement or passing below the surface.

Common phrases

  • 沉甸甸chén diàn diàn

    very heavy

  • 有点沉yóu diǎn chén

    a little heavy

Similar words

重zhòng: Having a large amount of weight and being hard to lift or carry.
沉重chén zhòng: Extremely heavy, with a solid weight that makes lifting or carrying difficult.
沉甸甸chén diàn diàn: So heavy that it seems to hang downward under its own weight.
笨重bèn zhòng: Large, heavy, and awkward to handle or move.

Definition in Chinese

指物体有较大分量，拿起或搬动时感到费力。zhǐ wù tǐ yǒu jiào dà fèn liàng ná qǐ huò bān dòng shí gǎn dào fèi lì

Word origin

The older sense of 沉 (chén, "heavy; sink") is a thing going down in water, and its shared downward direction helps connect that sense with the effort caused by a heavy object.

Usage tips

  • English often separates weight from downward movement, but everyday Chinese can use one word for both, so context such as a lifting action or a descent is important when listening.

Other meanings

  • sinkverb

Opposites

  • 轻盈qīng yínglight and gracefuladjective

Related words

Word lists with this word