彻 (chè) - to penetrate & thorough

彻Tone 4

chè ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 彳

嫦晨

彻 · chè

to penetrate;

thorough;

complete;

to go through;

to understand thoroughly

to penetratethoroughcomplete

Usage highlights

thoroughthrough the nightpenetrate the bonesunderstand thoroughlybright and clearall the way through

Synonyms

  • 透— penetrate, thorough
  • 通— go through, connect
  • 贯— penetrate, pass through

Antonyms

  • 浅— shallow, superficial
  • 表— surface, external

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The cold wind penetrates the bones (寒风彻骨).
  • He worked through the night (他彻夜工作).
  • We need a thorough investigation (我们需要彻底调查).
  • The sound of the bell resounds through the sky (钟声彻天).

Collocations

  • thorough(彻底)
  • through the night(彻夜)
  • penetrate the bones(彻骨)
  • understand thoroughly(彻悟)
  • bright and clear(彻亮)
  • all the way through(彻头彻尾)

Idioms

  • From beginning to end(彻头彻尾)
  • The cold penetrates to the bones(寒风彻骨)
  • To see through everything(洞彻事理)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant 'to penetrate, to go through' in ancient texts, later extended to mean 'thorough, complete'.
  • Used in Buddhist contexts to mean 'complete understanding or enlightenment' (彻悟).
  • Commonly appears in classical Chinese literature to describe deep penetration or thoroughness.

FAQ