Chinese word

深刻

Pronunciation

Pinyinshēn kè

Meaning

  • adjectiveserious

Example

他的表情看起来很深刻。tā de biǎo qíng kàn qǐ lái hěn shēn kè

His expression looks very serious.

Illustration for 深刻 (serious)

More examples

这次演出让我印象深刻。zhè cì yǎn chū ràng wǒ yìn xiàng shēn kè

This performance made a deep impression on me.

Core concept

Reaches beneath the surface and gives a problem, feeling, or expression lasting weight.

Common phrases

  • 给人深刻的印象gěi rén shēn kè de yìn xiàng

    leave a deep impression on someone

  • 印象深刻yìn xiàng shēn kè

    profound impression

  • 造成深刻的影响zào chéng shēn kè de yíng xiǎng

    make a profound impact

Similar words

严重yán zhòng: Serious because its effects or consequences are great and cannot be ignored.
强烈qiáng liè: Strong and clear in feeling, color, smell, or another noticeable quality.

Definition in Chinese

程度深，影响大，多用于表示问题、表情或情感的严重或深远。chéng dù shēn yíng xiǎng dà duō yòng yú biǎo shì wèn tí biǎo qíng huò qíng gǎn de yán zhòng huò shēn yuǎn

Word origin

深刻 (shēnkè, "serious; deep") combines 深 (shēn, "deep") with 刻 (kè, "to carve"), evoking something carved far into the mind and therefore weighty.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may expect a grave situation, but everyday Chinese also uses this adjective for a powerful idea or feeling that stays in the mind.

Other meanings

  • deepadjective

Opposites

  • 肤浅fū qiǎnsuperficialadjective

Word lists with this word