(zhěn) - to lie down with the face downward & to crouch

Tone 3

zhěn | 10 strokes | radical:

· zhěn

to lie down with the face downward;

to crouch;

to squat;

(archaic) to stretch;

to extend

to lie down with the face downwardto crouchto squat

Usage highlights

to crouch downto lie face downto stretch outto squatcrouching postureextended form

Synonyms

  • to lie down
  • to crouch; to lie prostrate
  • to squat

Antonyms

  • to stand
  • to stand erect

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The cat crouched low (屒伏) before pouncing.
  • He lay face down (屒卧) on the grass.
  • The ancient text describes the mountain stretching (屒伸) into the distance.

Collocations

  • to crouch down(屒伏)
  • to lie face down(屒卧)
  • to stretch out(屒伸)
  • to squat(屒踞)
  • crouching posture(屒姿)
  • extended form(屒形)

Idioms

  • Crouching tiger, hidden dragon(屒虎藏龙)
  • Stretching across thousands of miles(屒伸千里)
  • Crouching and waiting for the opportunity(屒伏待机)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • This character appears in classical Chinese texts but is extremely rare in modern usage.
  • It depicts a posture of readiness or submission, often used in descriptions of animals or warriors.
  • The character combines the 'body' radical with the 'chen' phonetic component.

FAQ